
1 


:•#«•, 






' .' 


'y-'i 



1 


/ 




\ 1 '• 








■■^■■■t-\:'0 






■ i^" 








5^ 


fe:>^'^ 


^01 












^■41^ 


^'lir 


^"%-*-*^ 




fi 


:T3 fESf : 


ft r « Ifl^ 


IK; ■ s-5»S!:«S 


■ ii 

j 

il 
.;! 

1 
1 

! 

si 
f 

!j 


I 

1 
i 

i 


!■ 

i 
1 


l! 1 

* F' 

■ 

f 

■ 


i 

! 

1 ilw 


M 

1 i ■ 
! !' 1- ! 1 




Class _J.ro_2£2; 

Book A hi Oz 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



'^^^ 




t->^- 



>^ 



■v 



TT 



^, 



Tr"*^"^**^^ 



'N 



>• 




X 



jr 




Henrietta F. Everett 



OASIS 

A Collection of Poems on Temperance, 
Patriotism and Euery-day Life 



By Henrietta F. Everett 



Published for the Author 

by the 

International Publishing Association 

College View, Nebraska 






COPYRIGHT 1914 
By Henrietta F. Everett 



JUN -5 1914 

©CI.A37940S 



PREFACE 

In presenting this volume to the pubHc, I am 
aware that it has imperfections. My early life, 
from fifteen to twenty-live years of age, was spent 
caring for my mother, who was in ill health, and for 
an afflicted brother, who required constant attention ; 
so there was little chance for study. My father and 
two of my brothers were soldiers in the Civil War. 

At about the time my mother's health was re- 
stored and my brother laid to rest, my father and 
brothers returned from the war, and my mother said 
that I, too, had been a good soldier and saved her 
life, and God would reward me. Aug. 19, 1867, Mr. 
Everett and I were married, left our home at Meta- 
mora. 111., and went west, where we took a homestead 
in Osceola County, Iowa, which was then a trackless, 
treeless prairie; living at first in a sod house, fifty 
miles from a railroad station, slough hay and flax 
straw the main fuel for several years. The grass- 
hopper period, blizzards, and other trials and duties 
incident to pioneer life left little time, but when 
thoughts came to me, I would hastily pen them. A 
portion of them are now being published, at request, 
that my children and friends may know that I stood 
for temperance, patriotism, and justice, with a firm 
belief and trust in God, who let the light of His love 
brighten so^ many dark hours. 

The title "Oasis" is appropriate in view of the 
refreshing rest that these poems have afiforded amid 
the every-day cares. H. F. E. 




Laura M. Everett 



folt^i a prager tl|at slje ma^ bah a useful 
nxxh l|app^ life 

^ear gtrl, tI|ougI| bags be bark av fair, 
^jig Oiub go fattl] tljce eftergfaljere 




"Seize upon truth where'er 'tis found, 
Among your friends, among your foes, 

In native or in heathen ground ; 

The plant's divine where'er it grows." 




CONTENTS 

Page 

A Farewell Ill 

Aftermath 110 

Album Verses 93 

Anniversary of Twelfth Birthday of Vera Ruth Everett.. 38 

At Mother's Knee 59 

Away from Home 75 

Be Kind 41 

Borrowing Girls 84 

Boy with Teddy Bear 44 

Brother Man , 91 

By and By 46 

California Legend 55 

Children Playing in the Street 89 

Christmas Is Coming 95 

Christmas Everywhere 96 

Christmas Lines 97 

Christmas Thoughts 98 

City of God 71 

Clouds 83 

Decoration Day 66 

Doing Our Best 59 

Don't Marry a Man to Save Him 87 

Dying Girl's Message 103 

Earth's Fading Treasures 109 

Easter Day 48 

Easter, 1883 47 

Easter Thoughts 48 

Farewell to a Young Friend 93 

Fell Asleep 104 

For This Dear Girl 94 

Freedom's Song 62 

Gather Flowers , 69 

[9] 



10 CONTENTS 

God's Care 42 

God's Letter to Mankind 49 

God's Promises 13 

God's Redeeming Love 74 

Grandma Stilvvell 101 

Grandma Struble 103 

Historical 116 

History of a Great Question . 117 

Light on History's Dark Page 120 

Indignation and Unmixed Wrath 121 

Words of Warning 123 

Hon. Edward Everett 115 

Hope 17 

If Christ Would Come 33 

Intemperance 53 

I Want to Be a Soldier 61 

I Will Be True 19 

July Fourth, 1913 13 

Lines on a bleeping Babe 51 

Laura on Her Twelfth Birthday 35 

Lines at Close of School 92 

Lines on the Death of a Young Mother 105 

Lines to a Picture 31 

Little Silver Hair 31 

Live for Something 60 

Look Up 16 

Love's Dream 101 

Love's Flowers 85 

Mabel Latum 102 

Motherhood 25 

Motherless Alice 88 

Mrs. F. J. (Stanley) Miller 76 

Mrs. L. A. Everett 29 

My Friend and I 46 

My Little Boys Three 108 

Nathan Walden 125 

Neighbor Jim and I 32 

Oh ! Come, Come to War 63 



CONTENTS 11 

Oh, If I Were a Bird V 

On a False Imprisonment 80 

On Receiving a Bouquet 27 

On the Tenth Birthday of Laura Marie Everett 35 

Our Boy 31 

Our College Girl 43 

Our God Is King 72 

Our Little Lad 39 

Our Ship 72 

Over the Way IZ 

Plenty of Time 91 

Press On 79 

Reward 27 

Royal and Kingly 86 

Scatter Flowers 14 

Sin GJ 

Soldier Love 64 

Song of May .20 

Song of Winter 110 

Sowing Seeds 90 

Speak Gently 20 

Spring 15 

Temperance Call 54 

Temperance Song — "Save Our Boys" 52 

The Changing Tide 70 

The Child's Dream 40 

The Family Altar 23 

The First Baby, Freddie 29 

The Girl Graduate 36 

The Messenger Ill 

The New Year 16 

The Nurse Girl 107 

The Present Crisis 113 

The Silent City 99 

The Smoker 57 

The Soldier's Grave 65 

The Summons 105 

The Tongue 82 



12 CONTENTS 

The Vaudois Teacher 127 

The Visitor 100 

The Washer Woman's Soliloquy 107 

To Anna 109 

To Laura M. Everett 36 

To May 30 

To My Mother on Her Ninety-first Birthday 77 

To My Mother on Her Ninety-fifth Birthday 77 

To My True Love 19 

To Sister Rose 74 

Touch Not the Wine 58 

Truth 24 

Twin Seeds 26 

Under the Coffin Lid 81 

Waldenses, Sabbath-Keepers 126 

When the Saviour Comes to Reign 78 

Wishes for a Young Couple 106 

Wishes for Wallace Shartzer's Sixth Birthday 50 

Written for Good Templars in 1895 56 



OASIS 



GOD'S PROMISES 

Like oases in a desert land, 

God's promises forever stand, 

To lead us out from sin's dark night, 

And fill our souls with heavenly light. 

Those who in God's promises abide 
Will shut out folly, sin, and pride, 
And never let their faith grow dim ; 
But fully, truly, trust in Him. 

He will bring light in sorrow's day, 
And plant oases through 'life's way; 
Give, when thy heart beatings are o'er. 
Love, rest, and peace forevermore. 

JULY FOURTH, 1913 

Little boy, little girl, do you know why 
We have the glorious Fourth of July, 
With freedom of speech for you and I ? 

Little boy, little girl, read history's pages; 
See how all through the ages 
Liberty chained, where tyranny rages. 

Little boy, little girl, there is a band 

Seeking to chain in our own fair land 

Free speech, free press, its principles grand, 

[13 



14 OASIS 

Little boy, little girl, wave the red, white, and blue. 
Sweet flag of liberty, union so true, 
Purchased with blood for me and for you. 

Little boy, little girl, this is one reason why 
We have the glorious Fourth of July — 
Other facts in history you'll find 
Why we have freedom to all mankind. 



SCATTER FLOWERS 

Scatter flowers for the children, 

Make their young lives bright and gay ; 

Be ye patient in thy teaching, — 
Make each day a sunny day. 

Scatter flowers for the parents. 
Oft oppressed with toil and care ; 

Kindly deeds from loving children 
Maketh weary paths most fair. 

Scatter flowers for the aged. 
Looking forward unto death ; 

Give them tender care with gladness, 
Give them love with every breath. 

Scatter flowers for the erring, 
Wandering in sin's dark thrall ; 

Give them charity's sweet kindness, 
Till repentant tears will fall. 



OASIS 15 

Give thy love to those who need it, 
Give thy smiles to lone hearts nigh, 

Give thy friendship to the friendless, 
And thy cheer to those that sigh. 

These are flowers that do not perish ; 

They will bloom anew for thee 
When you hear the Master calling, 

"My beloved, come to Me." 



SPRING 

Spring has come, birds are singing, 
Flowers from the earth are springing; 
Everywhere is beauty seen. 
For the earth is clothed in green. 

Spring has come — bright spring is here- 
And the woods that looked so drear, 
Now look smiling, bright, and gay, 
For old winter has passed away. 

Spring has come — merry spring — 
Hope and promise doth it bring, — • 
Hope that blossoms, now so fair. 
May be brought much fruit to bear. 

Youth, happy youth, our spring must be,- 
Youth from care and sorrow free. 
Let it not be spent in vain. 
For 'twill ne'er return again. 



16 OASIS 

THE NEW YEAR 

Open the pages so pure and white 

Of the beautiful New Year that comes to-night; 

Let no evil thing come creeping in ; 

Stain not its fair pages with one trace of sin. 

blessed Master, come and be near, 
Driving away the sin, doubt, and fear. 
Making me pure, that the angel may write 
Thy holy will is my chief delight. 

1 am so weak, but Thou art strong. 
Lead Thy poor, trembling child along. 
Into Thy wisdom until, wholly Thine, 
I will reflect Thy image divine. 

LOOK UP 

Look up, dear soul, look up. 

A father's hand is near ; 
God's sympathizing care is o'er 

All those who Him do fear. 

God knows your every thought. 

He sees your life of care. 
He pities those that fear His name ; 

Our Gcd is everywhere. 

Look up, dear soul, look up ; 

Give this your earnest heed. 
For angels have been watching thee, 

To record every deed. 



OASIS 17 

Your loving, earnest care 

For way-worn travelers here 
Their faithful hands have written down ; 

They write with Godly fear. 

They wrote the life of love 

To others freely given 
To cheer the homesick wanderers. 

And show the way to heaven. 

They wrote your loving help 
For husband, son, and daughter, 

That urged them on to nobler work, 
To spread the Living Water. 

Look up, dear soul, look up. 

God still hath need of thee. 
To cheer the heart of those who faint 

And those who bend the knee. 

(Written to Mrs. H. F. Everett by her loving husband, 
Edward Everett, Ocheyedan, Iowa, Oct. 6, 1898.) 

HOPE 

(Clary's Grove, 111., 1859 

Hope lives when all our joys are fled. 
It lives when happiness is dead, 
It lives when all is cold and bare, 
It lives and glimmers in despair. 

Sometimes 'tis dark, but quickly shines, 
And round our hearts it always twines. 
Hope never leaves, though oft deceives. 
Happy the one that hope believes. 




Edward Everett 
At Twenty-five 





Henrietta F. Everett 

At Twenty-five 




>rf 



A. V. Everett 
At Five 




A. V. Everett 
At Thirty-five • 



OASIS 19 

TO MY TRUE LOVE 
E. E. (June, 1867) 

Oh ! come to my side, my kind, gentle Etta, 

While I speak of my love so true, 
That winds 'round my heart with its Cupid-like 
fetter, 

And binds me forever to you. 

Compare it, my darling, to earth's fleeting flowers, 

Oh, no ! for they fly far too fast ; 
But to Paradise roses and Paradise bowers — 

Like them the true love forever shall last. 

I wish not a mad love, but a love to grow better. 
As angels above love so true all that's right; 

So then let us love, my dearest, my Etta, 

With love for the truth, the good, and the light. 

I WILL BE TRUE 

H. F. E. (June. 1867) 

I will be true to thee, dear one. 

Though dark clouds rise our hearts to sever; 
I'll sweetly trust in thy dear love, 

And never doubt thee, never. 

Though fate may throw her darkest shade 

O'er trusting hearts like ours, 
We will be true with hearts ne'er made 

To yield to fate because it lowers. 

Yes, we'll be true, and God will bless 
Such pure, true love as yours and mine; 

We'll live for God and for each other, 
And life will yield us joys divine. 



20 OASIS 

SPEAK GENTLY 

Speak gently ; all have enough to bear 
That travel through this world of care, — 
The aged, bowed by many years ; 
The erring, pressed by burning tears ; 
The school boy, though he merry seems. 
Yet he may have his troubled dreams ; 
The father fond, the mother true, — 
All need kind words ; they fall like dew, 
Cheering all hearts life's journey through. 
Speak gently. 

Speak gently. Who can tell the power 
Of kindly words in sorrow's hour? 
The gentle tone, like sunlight sweet. 
Falls, blessing all we chance to meet. 
The poor, the rich, the sad, the gay. 
All need kind words of cheer each day. 
Bright, glad words for Jesus given 
May bid some sad heart look to heaven. 
Trust in God's love and be forgiven. 
Speak gentl}^ 

SONG OF MAY 

Earth again hath brought the flowers, 

Sunny days, refreshing showers ; 

After every darksome night, 

The sun sheds forth its beaming light. 

Every living thing seems glad 

At the world in beauty clad ; 

All around their tribute bring, 

Tell how good is God our King. 



OASIS 21 

Weary hearts in Him find rest; 
Trusting hearts by Christ are blest; 
Timid hearts He comes to cheer; 
Every heart to Him is dear; 
Praying hearts God hears to bless, 
Saddest hearts not comfortless. 
Thus God gives more joy than pain ; 
None who trust Him toil in vain. 

Earth its fruits and flowers keep, 
Though long wrapped in winter's sleep ; 
At His touch, blossom and bear,. 
Tended by His watchful care. 
Thus to darkest lot below, 
Light will come again, we know ; 
For God gives more smiles than tears, 
In the ever fleeting years. 

Therefore let us all be strong, 
With rejoicings march along; 
Sowing seed, that we may reap. 
Reap with joy, though now we weep; 
Yielding our will to His will. 
He is patient, loving still, — 
Yesterday, to-day, the same; 
Blessed those who trust His name. 

Every child of God shall know 
All best gifts God can bestow ; 
Perfect peace and hope and rest 
Every day shall find him blest; 
Guarded, guided, by His love 
Safely through to realms above. 
There with the triumphant throng. 
Sing the everlasting song. 




< 

Q 

< 
H 
W 

> 



< 



OASIS 23 

THE FAMILY ALTAR 

They knelt at the family altar, 

1 he youth and his fair, young bride ; 

They knelt at the family altar 
With the Bible by their side. 

They journeyed together so lovingly, 
Ihis world seemed so full of bliss, 

They wondered if heaven were brighter 
Or purer or fairer than this. 

They knelt at the family altar. 
The father, the mother, the child; 

They felt God's love was o'er them. 
That on them He tenderly smiled. 

They knelt at the family altar. 

The mother, the children, and all ; 

Their voices together ascending, 
They heard not the angels call. 

They knelt at the family altar, 
While sad, bitter tears did flow. 

And they whispered, "Thy will be done," 
Though Effie was under the snow. 

They knelt at the family altar 

With bitterest tears of pain. 
For the one that God had left them 

Was wandering in sin's dark train. 

Was wandering afar from heaven, 

From virtue, from love, and from truth ; 

Was straying afar from Jesus, 
In the early days of his youth. 



24 OASIS 

They knelt at the family altar, 
As year on year passed away, 

Their prayers together ascending 
For that one who had gone astray. 

He knelt at the family altar, 
And this time he knelt alone; 

Enclosed in a near-by coffin 

Was the dear wife his love had known. 

He knelt, and the tears of sorrow 
Fell slow, as if wrung out in pain ; 

The door was opened softly. 

The wanderer was home again. 

They knelt at the family altar; 

The erring one was forgiven ; 
The prayers of that mother, answered, 

Angels bore the good news to heaven. 

They knelt at the family altar, 

Thanking God for His blessings so great ; 
The prayers of that family altar 

Had opened for them heaven's gate. 

TRUTH 

The purest gem that lights this earth, 
That brightest shines mid toil and care, 

That lifts the soul above the scenes 
Of all earth's joys, so frail and fair ; 

That brightest gleams when hopes are riven, 
That safely guides the steps of youth. 

And lifts the soul of man to heaven, — 
Is truth, immortal truth. 



OASIS 25 

MOTHERHOOD 

Mothers, guide the children all 
In the truth while they are small ; 
As by our side they love to stay, 
Teach God's precepts day by day. 

Take the children to your heart, 
Let nought come between to part; 
Show them how a mother cares,— 
All their joy and sorrow shares. 

With them Hsten to God's voice; 
Church and school will aid the choice. 
Seeds of good sown in youthful hearts. 
Blossoms of love to the world imparts. 

Then when they are older grown, 
Let companionship be shown ; 
Guide in love and tenderness, 
And their lives will your life bless. 

When you sit all quiet, lone. 
And each child you loved has flown, 
Bravely forth all duties to meet, — 
Then earth's joy will be complete. 



The flowers of earth will fade and die. 
All that we love here perish ; 

But those that meet with God on high 
Eternal joys will cherish. 



26 OASIS 

TWIN SEEDS 

Twin seeds fell on the self-same day, 
Side by side in the earth they lay, 
Awaiting the touch of nature's hand, 
To grow and bloom at the king's command. 

No one could tell, for no one knew, why 
On one a great, cruel stone should lie, 
And make it grow crooked and awry — 
No one could tell, for no one knew why. 

The one to grow up straight and tall, 
Beloved, admired, a blessing to all ; 
The other to struggle through darkness and night, 
Onward and upward toward the light. 

When the king came out. in the summer hours 
To gather for his queen the choicest flowers, 
He lifted the stone from the prisoner there, 
And transplanted it to his mansion fair. 

He guarded it with love throughout the years, 

And watered it with his many tears. 

Until it outgrew the scars and blight. 

And bloomed for him with an heavenly light. 

When the twin sister's work on earth was done. 
She fell asleep with the setting sun. 
To open her eyes by her sister there — 
Which was the fairest none could declare. 

For each through life had done their best ; 
And on them both He placed His crest, — 
His immortal crest from the Father above, 
To dwell with Christ in His kingdom of love. 



OASIS 27 

REWARD 

Together we marched, so glad and strong; 
Together we sang a joyous song; 
Together we plucked earth's choicest flowers, 
To bear to our Lord for His heavenly bowers. 

Then I chanced to see that some flowers grew. 
Stunted and pale, 'neath the weeds and rue ; 
So I disengaged from those friends so dear. 
And started alone, all trembling with fear. 

I reached far out through the weeds so tall. 
And gathered those flowers, one and all. 
My arms were bleeding, and, almost alone, 
I bore them on to the Master's throne. 

There I saw those flowers were jewels bright, 
And my tears of grief were pearls of light ; 
While the Master said, "These, so dear to Me, 
Shall shine in thy crown through eternity." 

ON RECEIVING A BOUQUET 

The flowers you gave were fresh and fair, 

But now they withered lie; 
They lent their fragrance to the air. 

And then were doomed to die. 

And shall our friendship thus decay. 

Like as these fading flowers? 
Or grow more bright each coming day 

Until we meet in heavenly bowers? 



28 



OASIS 




Mrs. L. a. Everett and Son Freddie 
Scotts Bluff, Nebr, 



OASIS 29 

MRS. L. A. EVERETT 

Mae E. Doughty came to live with Mr. and Mrs. 
Edward Everett in Osceola County, Iowa, when about 
six years of age, going with them to California the 
winter of 1896-97. After their return and locating at 
College View, Nebr., she graduated from the high 
school, for a time attended Union College, and then 
went west, and was for three years a successful 
teacher in the schools of Scotts Blufif County, Nebr. 

United in marriage to Mr. L. A. Everett, Sept. 
27, 1906. He is the oldest son of F. F. Everett, who 
lived for about twenty years near Weeping Water, 
Nebr., and is a brother of Edward Everett. Resides 
now near Scotts Bluff, Nebr. 

THE FIRST BABY, FREDDIE. 

A little stranger came unto our door ; 
A fairer one we never saw before, — 
The graceful hands, the tiny feet, 
The little face to us so sweet, 
A new-born soul, unstained by sin, — 
We opened wide our hearts and took him in ; 
Yea, gladly took him in. 

Heavenly Father, guide Thou our lives each day. 
That we never lead this pure young soul astray ; 
Lead Thou his feet to walk in wisdom's ways. 
Tune Thou his voice to sing Thy praise ; 
Then when we come to Thee, redeemed from sin. 
Open wide Thy gates and let us in ; 
Let us all enter in. 



30 OASIS 

TO MAY 

I sit alone in the twilight, 

Amid the cold and snow ; 
And question if I did right 

Or wrong — I scarcely know. 

For I left my love afar, 
In a fair and sunny land, 

Where fountains of sparkling water 
Flow over the shining sand. 

Where orange and lemons growing, 
Birds singing through all the hours ; 

The mocking birds, too, so enchanting. 
In the beautiful land of flowers. 

And I wonder is she lonely, 

Tired or sick or sad ; 
Then comes this blessed assurance, 

And it makes my heart most glad,— 

That the Father above who loves us 
Is holding her hand and mine. 

And tells that we shall meet again. 
Under the palm and pine. 

So I do praise Him daily. 

Seeking to know His will. 
He leads through light or darkness. 

By waters calm and. still. 

When, over life's parting and meeting, 
Her beautiful soul I shall meet. 

How joyful, how lasting the greeting 
When we sit at the Saviour's feet ! 



OASIS 31 

LINES TO A PICTURE 

I've the dearest little girl you ever did see, 
Who always is good, — just as good as can be. 
She wears a white dress, with collar of lace, 
And just the sunniest smile on her face; 
Her eyes a deep blue, her dark hair in curls ; 
I know you would call her the fairest of girls. 

Her dress is never torn, wrinkled, or soiled ; 
Though much you may love her, she never is spoiled, 
But smiles all night long and all through the day. 
And never, no, never, asks to go out and play. 

What ! don't you believe all I've said is quite true ? 
No such girl can I find the wide world through, 
Who never gets angry, naughty, or bad, 
But always looks smiling, happy, and glad. 
Ah ! you will believe me when I tell you all ; 
'Tis a pictured girl that hangs on the wall. 

OUR BOY 

O glad hearts sing, and joy bells ring. 

For do you know what the angels did bring 

To bless our home with such glad joy? 

Just a wee, darling baby boy. 

Little pink hands, and tiny feet, 

Was ever before a baby so sweet? 

O Saviour dear, come close and stay ; 
Guard and guide our treasure alway ; 
Keep him safe from all that is wrong. 
Bring him to dwell with the ransomed throng; 
Yea, keep him pure from the stain of sin ; 
Thy beautiful home let him enter in. 



32 OASIS 

NEIGHBOR JIM AND I 

We two were neither kith or kin, 
'Twas chance that brought us nigh ; 

But we learned to love each other well, 
My neighbor Jim and I. 

Our dwellings two miles apart would be, 
The way the road was bent. 

We built a road across, you see, 
And back and forth we went. 

In religion and in politics, 
In schoolhouse matters, too, 

We pulled together like two bricks. 
And won our way right through. 

In loving converse through the day, 

And oft so late at night. 
We'd walk and talk 'till wives would say. 

You'll fix the world, all right. 

Whatever he thought best or right, 
I would always say, Amen ; 

And he would clasp my hand so tight, 
I knew he loved me then. 

I differed once — he drew apart— 
I sought his love full many a day; 

He didn't understand my heart, 
I didn't understand his way. 

And so I cried, O neighbor Jim, 
Through all life's hours so fleet. 

Let us be loving, helpful friends, 
'Till we in heaven shall meet. 



OASIS 33 

Said he: Heaven is a place so wide 

You do not need to bother; 
For you can dwell way on one side, 

And I clean on the other. 

We went our ways; the years, they pass, 

Seasons succeed each other ; 
The road we built has grown to grass. 

We travel, now, another. 

He hath many a loving heart 

And friend to clasp his hand. 
While we are very far apart, 

Because we did not understand. 

IF CHRIST WOULD COME 

If Christ would come to-day. 

Within our homes awhile to stay. 

Would He be a welcome guest. 

And would we give Him of our best? 

I saw an aged one go past. 

All thinly clad, in wintry blast. 

With joy and gladness in his smile. 

For Christ was with him all the while. 

Yet this dear one has given his all 

That many might hear the gospel's call. 

A rich man said we crave too much, — 

Things we don't need, and such 

As harm us — and bring pride — 

Oh ! if he would but just divide, 

Methinks his joy would be complete. 

And all might find their day more sweet. 

By doing our best for every one. 

We would hear the Master say, Well done. 



34 



OASIS 





Laura Marie Everett 



OASIS 35 

ON THE TENTH BIRTHDAY OF LAURA 
MARIE EVERETT 

Ye happy birds, sing joyous lay; 
And glorious sun, send forth thy ray, 
To tint the flowers in colors gay, 
For our dear girl, who is ten to-day. 

Loving playmates gather here, 

With games of mirth, and songs of cheer. 

To celebrate the glad tenth year 

Of this little girl, to all so dear. 

Glad, happy children, may thy hours 
Be bright with sunlight and with flowers ; 
And when are passed all earth's birthdays, 
May you awake to sing God's praise. 

LAURA ON HER TWELFTH BIRTHDAY 

I wish for thee, on thy twelfth birthday. 
That all thy hours be glad and gay. 

Thy way be strewn with fairest flowers. 
Thy life be filled with happy hours, 
And faithful friends be ever near, 
With love to charm away each fear ; 
But all who tread the path of life 
Will know of sorrow, sin, and strife. 
Will have a taste of grief and pain ; 
Who hopes for bliss, hopes all in vain. 
So may Christ dwell within thy heart. 
To soothe and lighten every smart, 
Comfort and bless thee every hour. 
And keep thee safe from Satan's power ; 



36 OASIS 

That He lead thee, by day, by night ; 

Turn all thy tears to pearls of light ; 
Light all thy way with joys divine, 
Until all glory shall be thine, 

And thou shalt hear the Saviour say. 

Child, come home to endless d:«y. 

TO LAURA M. EVERETT 

Anniversary of l:er Sixteenth Birthday, Oct. 1, 1913 

Sixteen to-day — time passed so soon — 
And happy birds sing merry tune ; 
All the world looks bright and fair — 
For sweet sixteen should know no care. 
While, best of all, a God of love 
Bestows rich blessings from above. 
To make our girlie joyful, gay. 
On this her glad sixteenth birthday. 
Dear girl, though days be dark or fair. 
May God go with thee everywhere. 

THE GIRL GRADUATE 

A beautiful vision mine eyes did see 

Of a fair young girl in her purity. 

Choosing the pathway of truth and right. 

Guarded by angels by day and by night, 

A father's love and a mother's caress. 

And the God above to ever bless. 

Mine eyes were filled with happy tears ; 

God guide this girlie through ?11 life's years; 

Lead her to walk in wisdom's ways, 

U^ntil crowned with glory, she pings Thy praise. 



OASIS Z7 

OH, IF I WERE A BIRD ! 

Oh ! if I were a bird, I'd sing all the day long, 

And make the woods ring with the sweetness of my 

song ; 
I'd fly from branch to branch among the leafy trees. 
And deck my pinions gay in the gentle zephyr breeze. 

Oh! were I but a bird, I'd sing through all the hours; 
I'd float far in the sky, then down among the flowers; 
I'd drink by the river, and my bill I'd turn to heaven. 
Thanking my Maker for blessings He to me had 
given. 

I'd thank Him for the water that sparkles at my feet, 
And for the many fishes that sport within its deep ; 
I'd thank Him for the cool and the refreshing shade, 
Where daily I sing praises with naught to make afraid. 

I'd thank Him for the sky, so beautiful and blue, 

And for the many lovely flowers of varied hue ; 

I'd thank Him for the stars that shine throughout the 

night, 
And for the moon that sheds its soft and silvery light. 

I'd thank Him for my nest, far up among the trees, 
Where my little ones are rocked by the gently blow- 
ing breeze ; 
I'd thank Him for all that around me I see, 
For every bush and shrub and every leafy tree ; 
And when the day was spent, I'd fly away to my nest. 
There rocked by the breeze, how sweetly would I 
rest. 



38 



OASIS 




Alvin and Vera Everett 

ANNIVERSARY OF THE TWELFTH BIRTH- 
DAY, DECEMBER 10, 1913, OF VERA 
RUTFI EVERETT, ROLFE, 
IOWA 

There is a darling girl, twelve years old to-day. 
Who loves to study and loves to play. 
This girl is helpful to father and mother, 
Loving and gentle to little brother. 
With smile like sunlight, manner so kind. 
Never another such girl could we find. 

We gladly would shield her from sorrow's tears. 

And crown all her life with happy years. 

May the Father who rules the darkness and light 

Lead and bless and guide her aright. 

And when her birthdays on earth are all told, 

With joy may she enter the heavenly fold. 

From Grandma Henrietta F. Everett. 



OASIS 39 

OUR LITTLE LAD 

To Alvin 

Our little lad with shining eyes, 
With face fair as the summer skies, 
Says, I'll do Hke papa, and I can 
When I grow up to be a man. 

I'll build the fires, the water bring, 
And never spill a single thing. 
Oh, my ! says mama ; but I can, 
Because, you see, I'll be a man. 

When papa goes so far away, 
I'll do the chores and feed the hay. 
Then drive to meet him; and I can, 
Because, you see, I'll be a man. 

CTrandma says to bed at eight is right. 
That little lads grow all through the night ; 
Now if I sleep the best I can, 
Will I wake up and be a man? 

Sweet, trusting child, of such as thee 
God's precious jewels surely be; 
Ever remain as pure as now, 
God's glory shining on thy brow. 

O parents, careful walk. — you see 
These children df-ar r^re watching thee; 
Clasp close their hands and lead aright. 
The heavenly city in thy sight. 



4U OASIS 

THE CHILD'S DREAM 

(Written when about twelve years of age.) 

mama, I had such a lovely dream, 
Everything to me did so beautiful seem ; 

1 thought the angels, on wings of love. 
Came to bear me to that world above, — 
That happy world of pure delight, 
That world, mama, where all is bright. 
They bore me gently on through space. 
With the happy ones to find a place. 

At last I stood amid that throng. 
And heard them chant a holy song; 
I thought my sorrows all were past. 
And I was safe in heaven at last. 
I looked around, and all was bright. 
Jesus was clothed in spotless white ; 
He placed a crown upon my head, 
And in the sweetest accents said, 
I welcome all such ones to me 
As come in love, truth, and purity. 
His face was gentle, calm, and mild ; 
He looked on me and sweetly smiled ; 
Showed me myriads of crowns all bright 
And sparkling with the heavenly light ; 
Laid His hand on one and said 
That was for my dear mother's head ; 
And one for little brother dear. 
I turned and wiped away a tear. 
He said that we should meet ere long, 
That you would join me in my song. 
What pure delight came to my soul ! 
And yielding to its sweet control. 



OASIS 41 

I tuned my golden harp again, 
And sang a wild, yet joyful strain. 
My heart seemed tilled with purest jOy, 
Which naught could ere again destroy — 
When through the room the sun's first gleam 
Awoke me from my pleasant dream. 

Then turning from the light, I wept, 
And wondered if I had but slept. 
But, dear mama, when life is done. 
Shall we not then a crown have won ? 
On all who do His will below 
His crown of light He will bestow. 

BE KIND 

If I could write but one short lay, 
In human hearts to live alway, 
Only these simple words you'd find : 
Be kind to all, be very kind. 

If I could sing one song so clear 
That all the world would pause to hear, 
This song I'd sing so loud and sweet: 
Be kind to all in life you meet. 

If I could paint one picture grand. 
Throughout the ages that would stand. 
The "Golden Rule" in light you'd see: 
Be kind as you'd wish them to be. 

Be kind like Him whose sunlight falls 
On just and unjust; while He calls 
To you, to me, blest words we find : 
Dwell ye in love, and love is kind. 



42 OASIS 

GOD'S CARE 

I walked abroad in the crowded street, 
With none to welcome, none to greet ; 
In all that busy, bustling place 
I saw not a kind, familiar face. 

And a lonesomeness came into my heart 
Which made the burning tears to start; 
For I had sorrows hard to bear. 
With none to love me, none to care. 

So I said, I'll return to my lonely hut, 
Where the curtain I'd drawn and door had shut; 
But the dog came forth with a bound to meet, 
The kitten lovingly lay at my feet; 

While the pony gave a welcoming neigh. 
And chicks would follow where'r I'd stray. 
But I left them all for a lonely glen ; 
'Twas far removed from the haunts of men. 

But the birds sang gaily overhead ; 

The squirrels leaped where the branches spread ; 

The flowers, looking up in varied hue, 

Seemed whispering to me, God cares for you. 

And a glory came I had not known ; 
The sorrow from my heart had flown ; 
For I could look up and truly say. 
There is a God who guides my way. 

Though sin and sorrow are everywhere. 
There is a God, and He doth care. 
O child of earth, look up and know 
That God will guide thy way below. 



OASIS 43 

And though sorrows come that are hard to bear, 
That sadden the heart and whiten the hair, 
There is a God that is mighty and true, 
A God of love, and He cares for you. 

OUR COLLEGE GIRL 

Our girl has come home from college to stay. 
You would never know she had been away. 
She is, oh, so kind to father and me. 
And we all are happy as happy can be. 

She cooks, washes dishes, as she used to do, 
Makes our dresses, beautifully too. 
Though I'm partially deaf, she does not scold, 
But seems the kinder because I am old. 

She coaxed the vines o'er the windows to grow, 
Their pink and white blossoms come and go. 
Combs my hair in a wonderful coil, 
And kisses my hands so hardened with toil. 

She draped the curtains in a fanciful way. 
To let in the light and exclude the sun's ray. 
Polished the windows and made them shine— 
Oh ! a wonderful girl is this girl of mine. 

She sings just the songs we love to hear; 
Kisses my cheek and calls me "dear"' ; 
Sits by us close when the day is o'er, 
Saying, "How good to be home once more." 

At church she plays the music so grand, 
It bids us dream of that better land, 
Where God's children, all redeemed from sin, 
By the great Shepherd's love are gathered in. 



44 



OASIS 



BOY WITH TEDDY BEAR 

Little boy with the Teddy bear, 
Childhood's days are very fair, 
Finding pleasures everywhere. 




Little boy with the shining eyes, 
And thy sayings quaint and wise, 
Bring us glimpses of Paradise. 

Little boy with the restless feet, 
Many problems you must meet 
Ere life's journey is complete. 



OASIS 45 

Little boy with the Teddy bear, 
Safe from Satan's every snare 
May God keep thee in His care. 

Leading thee through ah hfe's days, 
Ever to walk in wisdom's ways, 
And then in glory sing God's praise. 

LITTLE SILVER HAIR 

Darling little Silver Hair, 
With thy face so wondrous fair, 
Shedding sunbeams o'er my care, 
Bringing gladness everywhere. 
All must love thee and caress thee, 
Darling little Silver Hair. 

.Once w^hen I was filled with woe, 
And the bitter tears would flow, 
Thy sweet face looked up to know 
What meant all the pain and care, 
Thus you thought my grief to share. 
Darling little Silver Hair. 

Then in thy sweet baby way 
Sought to drive the tears away ; 
With thy little hands so fat 
Brought me this and brought me that 
'Till I smiled at things all there, 
Darling little Silver Hair. 

Others may upon me smile. 
And their hearts be false the while ; 
But 'tis true there's no deceit 
In thy baby ways so sweet. 
May God keep thee with His care, 
Darling little Silver Hair. 



46 OASIS 

BY AND BY 

By and by, said a girl so fair, 

I shall have better things to wear — 

By and by, in a little while — 

And she went her way with happy smile. 

By and by, the fair maiden said, 
As joyfully her letter she read, 
A lover will come to care for me, 
And, oh, how happy I then will be! 

By and by, the fond mother spoke, 
We shall have better things, I hope; 
The children are small, we are poor. 
But better days will come, I'm sure. 

By and by, said a Christian there. 
As she bowed her aged head in prayer, — 
By and by, when freed from sin. 
Better days for me will begin. 

Then spake the father, tender and low. 
The good, the pure, they only shall know 
Better days, when freed from sin, 
God's sweet by and by they enter in. 

MY FRIEND AND I 

We met in youth's beautiful hours. 
When life should be sunny and fair ; 

But fate, in bringing us flowers. 

Brought with them some touches of care. 



A S J S 47 

So we had each known of sorrow, 

And had learned to look above, 
To find our purest, truest joy 

In a heavenly Father's love. 

Then we met, and I learned to love thee; 

Thou learned to call me friend. 
Then the light that shone on my pathway 

Can never come to an end. 

For I know in (lod's beautiful kingdcjm 
With the redeemed we also shall meet; 

There, done forever with sorrow, 
We'll sit at the Saviour's feet. 

EASTER, 1883 

"We know we have passed from death unto life." 

1 John 3: 14 

Sweet words, Ijlest words, in (jod's own 1)ook we see. 
Brother and sister, written unto you and me: 
Christ is risen ; FTe, the King of kings. 
Comes near to bless, with healing in His wings. 

What are earth's best joys, its saddest tears, its strife, 
Compared to the great gift, — eternal life? 
We can afford to wait through pain and wrong. 
Filled with sweet peace that we to God belong. 

That FTe who rules o'er all our way doth lead, 
And gives us friends and Ijlessings as we need — 
Then shout for joy, Ijc glad of heart this Easter day ; 
God's love will still be ours when earth has passed 
away. 



48 OASIS 

EASTER THOUGHTS 

Thou dear, kind friend, upon my pathway thrown 
After much grief and suffering I had known, 
Thou clasped my hand in tender sympathy. 
And all my sorrows then grew dim to me. 

So methinks, the long night of weeping past, 
The mourning disciples beheld their Lord at last. 
And knew that "Christ is risen," then their night 
Of grief and darkness turned to light. 

O blessed path the Saviour trod alway, 
Leading from sin's darkness to eternal day, 
Bidding the mourning heart be glad, could not we all 
Bring joy to some on whom the shadows fall? 

But thou must go thy way and do thy part. 
We may not often meet, friend of my heart, 
For thou must comfort other hearts that bleed. 
Cheer and bless sad lives that are in need. 

And as thou toilest, bright will grow thy years, 

And in that land 
Where God's own hand shall wipe away all tears. 
They shall come forth to greet thee, 

And for thy scars 

Bring thee a crown all bright with stars. 

EASTER DAY 

Glad are the birds' songs in the trees. 
Gentle the sighing of the breeze. 
Sweet the perfume of the flowers. 
Joyous with hope these hearts of ours. 



OASIS 49 

Friend greets friend 'neath milder skies ; 
Hands clasp hands, and loving eyes. 
Speaking from heart to heart, tenderly say, 
This is our glorious Easter Day. 

Christ is risen, and He, our King, 
Greatest of blessings to mankind bring. 
We'll walk in His love, we'll trust Him alway ; 
His love will be ours forever and aye. 

GOD'S LETTER TO MANKIND 

Have you read God's great love letter, 

Given unto sinful man? 
How to break sin's every fetter 

Was our heavenly Father's plan. 
Heavenly Father's plan. 

How He sent Flis Son from glory 

To redeem both you and me? 
Oh ! I love to tell the story 

Flow He died to set us free. 
Died to set us free. 

Captives were we, and in bondage 

Unto sin as dark as night ; 
But the blood of Jesus cleanseth, 

Makes us pure hke Him, and white. 
Pure like Him, and white. 

Often read this golden letter; 

Ponder o'er its precepts long, 
Till with triumphant joy ascending 

You will sing the glad new song, 
Sing the glad new song. 



50 



OASIS 



WISHES FOR WALLACE SHARTZER'S 
SIXTH BIRTHDAY, MAY 7, 1911 

List ! the happy birds are singing, 

The air with their sweet music ringing, 

In a merry lay. 
Papa's eyes with joy are shining, 
Mama's love 'round us entwining, 

All so glad and gay. 




The table set with cake and candy sticks. 
All because Wallace Craig Shartzer is six. 

And this is his birthday. 
Then, happy children, march and sing. 
Join hands and form a rosy ring. 

And merrily play. 
Pass the cake and candy sticks, 
For our dear Wallace to-day is six, 

And this is his birthday. 

Dear Wallace, may the coming years 
Bring thee true joy and few tears ; 
When thy birthdays on earth are o'er. 
May thy new birth dawn on heavenly shore. 



OASIS 51 

LINES ON A SLEEPING BABE 

(Middletown, Logan Co., Ill, July 2, 1863) 

How peacefully he doth sleep ! 

O'er his fair brow 
No darkening shadows creep 

To mar his beauty now ; 

While o'er his lips doth play 

A sweet and happy smile. 
Where is his spirit, who can say? 

And what his dreams the while? 

His hands are laid upon his breast, 

As though reposed in prayer ; 
His thoughts may soar to regions blest, 

Guided by a father's care. 

Sweet child, may angels guard thee, 

And keep thy spirit pure 
From sins that will surround thee, 

Thy youthful feet to allure. 

And may they ever lead thee 
Safe through this world of care, 

Then waft thy spirit upward, 
A crown of life to wear. 



Sweet sister with the silvered hair, 
Whose Hfe of joy is tinged with care, 
I'd love to kiss away thy pain. 
And make thee well and young again. 

But there is one whose arm is long. 
And there is one whose love is strong ; 
He waits to give such joys to thee 
As my best gifts could never be. 



52 OASIS 

TEMPERANCE SONG— ''SAVE OUR BOYS" 

Tune: 'Tead Me On." 

In this world so dark with sin, 
Evil oft may seem to win ; 
But God's glory will come in. 
Save our boys, save our boys. 

The saloon, alluring, gay. 
Ever leads the soul astray. 
Let us vote then as we pray. 
Save our boys, save our boys. 

Oh, the sorrow and the woe 
Those who seek the wine cup know ! 
By our votes, saloons must go. 
Save our boys, save our boys. 

Bid the erring look and see. 
Bid the tempted turn and flee, 
Turn while yet they may go free. 
Save our boys, save our boys. 

Every mother's heart cries out, 
Every father with a shout, 
Vote this rebel foe to rout. 
Save our boys, save our boys. 

Form we in a loyal band. 
With our votes united stand ; 
Drive this curse from out our land. 
Save our boys, save our boys. 

Then triumphant we shall be. 
No saloon on land or sea. 
God will give the victory. 

Save our bovs, save our boys. 



OASIS 53 

INTEMPERANCE 

A cry comes over our land — a cry of anxious fears ; 
For a foe is taking our loved ones and causing us 

bitter tears. 
'Tis not a rebel host that comes with musket, sword, 

or spear. 
To take our loved ones from us, to fight for country 

dear, 
But this foe we have to fight is subtle, still, and 

strong. 
And we must all unite to crush this mighty wrong. 

He does not draft one here, one there, and leave the 

rest alone. 
But strives to take them all to worship at his throne. 
He comes within our firesides ; his presence we endure 
While he swallows up our money — and brains will go 

as sure. 
He leaves his victims dying in rags and dirt alone. 
With name, with fame, with honor gone, and loved 

ones dead or flown. 

Why should we speak, why should we write of this 

demon in our land? 
All know him far too well — know the clutches of his 

hand. 
It is to break his chains, to let the coming day 
Bring freedom from his snares to all America. 
Oh ! fathers with fair children that cluster 'round thy 

knee. 
Should this evil grow and spread, think what their 

fate might be. 
Your noble, manly boy be caught within his snare. 
Or shot by the assassin because for right he dare. 



54 OASIS 

But all unite this foe to fight, nor leave a root to 
sprout, 

Across a drug store counter for harm to those without. 

And give the long pull, the strong pull, the pull alto- 
gether. 

That will win the day for temperance to all America. 

TEMPERANCE CALL 

Come, one and all, to the temperance call, 

For friends around are falling. 
Who can count the cost of loved ones lost. 

Slain by this foe appalling? 

Hunger and woe his victims know. 

With weary days of sighing; 
Fastened with chains, he steals their gains, 

And laughs when they are dying. 

He steals their youth, he takes their truth ; 

He keeps them always giving. 
They cry in pain, clasp him again, 

And die to keep him living. 

Then by the graves of lives all slain. 

Be foremost in this battle. 
Let all unite this foe to fight. 

Nor bind him like a chattel. 

But with a will this demon kill 

So dead he'll waken never ; 
For we have found, if he is but bound, 

He will work us ruin ever. 
Then with a will crush out the still, 

And shout to all the story ; 
His death to-day, to America, 

Brings freedom, peace, and glory. 



OASIS 55 

CALIFORNIA LEGEND 

(Garden Grove, Orange County, California, 1897) 

I fled away from the white man's face, 

Afar in the desert wild ; 
There sought to hide from that hated race, 

In peace and safety to rear my child. 

His father, a chief of chieftains, a bra.e, 
When the white man took our land, — 

He sped an arrow our home to save, 
And fell by the white man's hand. 

We fled our homes and wandered lone 
Among the mountains, by day, by night ; 

The Great Spirit, looking from his throne. 
Guided us onward in our flight. 

And when we journeyed by mountain stream, 
Where the cacti or the sage brush grow, 

I taught him ever it was no dream 
That the white man was his foe. 

Long years we dwelt in that dreary place ; 

My young chief grew brave and tall ; 
His foot was fleet ; and straight through space. 

True to the mark, his arrow would fall. 

Tears, an Indian does not complain. 
Though the saddest I've yet to tell. 

The white man came and poisoned his brain 
With firewater until he fell. 

He sleeps to-day by the mountain's glen. 
Where willows bend over to weep ; 

The Great Spirit reads the hearts of men, 
And stars the watchfires keep. 



56 OASIS 

My sun is set, weary and old, 

I seek my Mojave home to die; 
But firewater lives, and sorrows untold 

It bringeth still, both far and nigh. 

WRITTEN FOR GOOD TEMPLARS IN 1895 

(Ocheyedan, Iowa) 

A meeting was held by a council of late 

To decide what to do with the snakes of the state. 

For the decree had gone forth, they were not to be 

beaten. 
Not to be killed or cruelly treaten. 
Though the snakes were killing their thousands each 

day, 
Still they were of some use in a medical way. 
Now a good old deacon, who was pure orthodox, 
Said he'd shut them all up in the prohibition box. 
But the young lawyer thought it wiser and better 
To fasten them safe with the mulct law fetter. 

Then the parson spake, just as parsons will. 

The only sure way is each snake to kill. 

Now for high license, low license, they made a great 

clatter, 
But finally resolved to end the matter 
By placing the snakes in a high license pen 
And feed them a tenth of the boys and the men. 
The serpents, more pleased than when Eve was be- 
guiled. 
All licked their chops and grimly smiled. 
While over and under and through they did pour, 
Devouring their tenth, and a great many more. 



OASIS 57 

There was trouble and sorrow, the people all fright- 
ened, 
Thought the high license bars should surely be 

tightened. 
They called on the parson to furnish some plan 
To kill off the snakes ere they'd kill every man ; 
And while they were standing around with the blues 
Came a messenger flying with glorious news. 
Victory, he cried, the Good Templar band 
Can wipe every snake off the face of this land ; 
But heed ye this message, long known to you all, 
"United we stand, divided we fall." 

THE SMOKER 

A young boy said, Just for a joke, 
I'll go behind the barn and smoke ; 
So fastened on himself a yoke. 
When other boys went out to play, 
^ ~. He would smoke and puff and smoke away. 
It makes me big, we heard him say. 

And though his eyes grew dim and blear, 

While both his legs, they acted queer — 

One would have thought he'd swallowed beer. 

Still he kept on, smoke after smoke, 
While strong and stronger grew his yoke. 
Until he found it was no joke. 
Tobacco's boon companion, gin, 
With habits bad, came trooping in. 
And bound him fast in chains of sin. 

When first he saw his lost estate. 
His struggles to be free were great. 
Then sank and yielded to his fate. 



58 OASIS 

Dear youthful friend with ruddy cheek, 
List to the words that wisdom speak, 
And true and lasting pleasures seek, — 

Pleasures that lead thee to obey 
The God of love— 'tis wisdom's way, 
To lead thee to His perfect day. 

TOUCH NOT THE WINE 

Touch not, touch not the ruddy wine. 
Though cheering seems its glow ; 

'Twill bind you down in chains of sin. 
And bring to you much woe. 

The dearest friend you have on earth, 

'Twill blanch her cheek and bring gray hairs, 

No happy home, no cheerful hearth, 
But bitter tears and want and cares. 

Then never touch the drunkard's cup, 

In w^hatever form it be. 
'Twill blight the fairest hopes of youth, 

And make a wreck of thee. 

No ; never touch the fatal cup, 

Though many may entice. 
'Twill bind with chains the strongest mind. 

Oh ! walk away from vice. 

Then dearest friends need never blush, 

But proudly speak thy name. 
And loved by those who know thee best, 

Who'd ask for sweeter fame? 



OASIS 59 

DOING OUR BEST 

Moment by moment, I heard a youth say, 
I'll do my very best each day. 
So he practiced his music careful and well, 
Studied with care his lessons to spell, 
Wrought his arithmetic out by the rule, 
Improving his time at home and at school. 
When he put his books by to go out and play, 
There was not a boy more merry or gay. 

This boy was watchful to help his mother, 
Loving and gentle to sister and brother. 
Doing as he would have others to do. 
Seeking the Saviour to guide him through. 
When he met the aged, suffering, or sad. 
He spoke kind words to make them glad — 
Just a plain lad, yet hour by hour 
Growing in wisdom, knowledge, and power. 

To all bad companions he turned a deaf ear ; 

Knew not the taste of tobacco or beer. 

Now when this boy became a man grown. 

They marveled — such wisdom by him was shown ; 

They called him talented, gifted, great. 

'Twas not that alone; but just early and late 

Doing each day the best you can, — 

'Twill make of each boy a good, useful man. 

AT MOTHER'S KNEE 

A merry, happy child all day. 
Among the trees and flowers at play, 
His humble home was small and poor. 
But of happiness he was always sure,— 
At mother's knee. 



60 OASIS 

A wilful, headstrong child to-day, 
In sinful paths he loves to stray; 
Of home and friends can jeeringly speak. 
Nor happiness does he now seek, — 
At mother's knee. 

A hardened man, behind the bars, 
He now looks out upon God's stars, 
The calm blue sky, the sleeping flow^ers ; 
And then he weeps for those lost hours,- 
At mother's knee. 

O erring one, by bars shut in. 
Weeping alone, suffering for sin. 
All else to thee may prove unkind, 
But a welcome thou wilt ever find, — 
At mother's knee. 

LIVE FOR SOMETHING 

Let us live for something better, 
Purer, than the joys of earth ; 

Let us each one do our duties ; 
Let our joys be those of worth. 

Should we take some erring brother. 
Gently, kindly, by the hand, — 

By our words and deeds of kindness. 
Lead him to that better land, — 

Oh ! would not our joy be sweeter 
Than aught other joy below? 

And our crown in heaven be brigliter 
For our toiling here below ? 



OASIS 61 

I WANT TO BE A SOLDIER 

I want to be a soldier. 

And with the soldiers go. 
All dressed in regimentals, 

To battle 'gainst the foe. 
And though I'd oft be weary, 

I'd never shed a tear, 
But onward march to battle 

Without a single fear, — 

Chorus 
And there, just like my captain, 

So noble, true and brave, 
I'd boldly fight for freedom, 

The stars and stripes to save. 

Then let me be a soldier 

For freedom, truth, and right. 
And my banner ever be 

The red, the blue, and white. 
And there among the soldiers, 

So noble and so true, 
I'd make the cannon rattle. 

And send the bombshells, too. 

Oh ! now I am a soldier, 

I'll never fear to fight ; 
And if I see Jeff Davis, 

I'll show him what is right. 
I know that we shall conquer, 

For God is with the true ; 
So on we'll march to conquest, 

With the red, the white, the blue. 



62 OASIS 

FREEDOM'S SONG 

(1862) 

Arise, ye brave young freemen, 
To whom liberty is sweet ; 

Behold, Secesh are trampling 
Our flag beneath their feet. 

Arise and boldly meet them. 
And drive them from our land. 

With bombshell let us meet them 
And all their traitorous band. 

Though loved ones are around thee. 
And home is very dear, 

'Tis liberty now calls thee ; 
Wipe quick away each tear. 

Down south the slave is toiling 

On wearily in pain, 
Beneath the master's lashes, 

All for the master's gain. 

Shall we, long blessed with freedom, 
Let those toil in despair, 

And not arise to free them, 
Or raise our flag so fair? 

No ; for our dying fathers 

Did liberty proclaim. 
Then let us all united, 

Break slavery's dark chain. 

On, on, and heaven will usher 
That grand and glorious time 

When our own starry banner 
Shall float o'er all this clime. 



OASIS 63 

OH! COME, COME TO WAR 
(1862) 

Oh ! come, come to war, 
Your country now is calling ; 
Defend your land from traitorous band. 

Oh ! come, come to war. 
Ye hearts that's beating brave and true, 
Defend the red, the white, the blue. 
And victory shall be thy due. 

Oh ! come, come to war. 

Oh ! raise, raise the flag, 
Its colors proudly floating. 
Our fathers brave this flag did save ; 

Then raise, raise the flag. 
Shall we e'er let its colors fade. 
And traitorous foes our rights invade? 
Ne'er, though in death we're laid. 

Then raise, raise the flag. 

Oh! come, come along, 
While freedom's song we're singing, 
Of liberty o'er land and sea. 

Oh ! come, come along. 
And if Jefl^ Davis comes in sight, 
We'll put him and his band to flight, 
And give to all an equal right. 

Oh ! come, come along. 

Then come, come along. 
For traitors are invading; 
Defend our laws and freedom's cause. 

Oh ! come, come along. 



64 OASIS 

And soon our flag shall proudly wave 
O'er all this land where fought the brave, 
And freed be every slave. 
Then come, come along. 

Yes, join, join us now, 
For we are marching onward 
To bravely fight for truth and right. 

Then join, join us now. 
Union and peace we soon shall see. 
For traitors all before us flee ; 
We're marching to victory. 

Then join, join us now. 

SOLDIER LOVE 

Written for a friend (1863) 

Far away in Secesh land. 

Where the gentle south winds blow, 
Where the sunlight is the brightest, 

And the sweetest flowers grow, — 
There my thoughts are often straying, 

For 'tis on that distant shore. 
There my soldier love is sleeping, 

And he'll come to me no more. 

They tell me he was brave in battle, 

With the foremost that he fell, 
That he clasped our starry banner 

As he breathed his last farewell ; 
That the young though careworn features 

With life's crimson blood was stained, 
That the blue eyes closed in anguish, 

Yet he never once complained. 



OASIS 6.S 

Oh ! I know his death was noble, 

To his God and country true; 
And 'tis sweet, mid all my sorrow, 

His life was given freely, too. 
I have laid away his Bible, 

With a heart all full of woe. 
And have folded up his letters 

With an anguish few can know. 

Oft times when the dew is falling 

Do I hear his voice of love. 
In the old, sweet accents calling 

Me to his bright home above. 
Sometime when the earth's all golden 

With the stars of God's sweet light, 
One sad heart will cease its beating, 

V/ith the loved to re-unite. 

THE SOLDIER'S GRAVE 
1862 to 1865 

They tell me he is dead— ah, no! 
I can not, will not, have it so. 

And yet I know full well 
He is lying low ; nor joy or pain 
Will ever thrill the breast again 

Of him I loved so well. 

The sun shines beautiful to-day. 
And yet its beams no gladsome ray 

Bring to this aching heart. 
Aye, as its sunny beams doth shine. 
They seem the grief to closer twine 

Around this saddened heart. 



66 OASIS 

I thought sometime to meet him here. 
But e'en that joy was clothed in fear, 

A glittering, shadowy spell 
That now hath flown ; and he the brave 
Hath found afar a soldier's grave — 

They whisper all is well. 

Be still, sad heart ; tears, cease to flow ; 
For sweet hope whispers mid my woe. 

He doth with angels dwell. 
His was a noble death ; he fell 
Fighting for that flag we love so well ; 

And I can only sob, Farewell. 

DECORATION DAY 

We march along with tears to-day, 
And on their graves these flowers lay ; 
Flowers of red, of white and blue, 
In memory of our soldiers true. 

Sweet children look with wondering eyes; 
They can not know how deep our sighs, 
How lone our hearts on that sad day 
When fathers, brothers, marched away. 

We clasp their hands and strive to tell 
How James came back and how John fell. 
That all are glad and free to-day 
For liberty their lives did pay. 

'Tis well their memory thus to keep. 
And o'er their graves, perchance, to weep ; 
But better far, O brother man. 
To help the living all you can. 



OASIS 67 

Give to them kindest words of cheer. 
To all, the soldiers should be dear; 
And long as stars and stripes shall wave, 
Strew flowers in memory of the brave. 

SIN ' 

I have a guest— a cruel foe, 

That comes to stay, and will not go; 

And though I oft bid him depart. 

He lingers close within my heart. ' 

Yet true it is, though sad to say, 

I sometimes even bid him stay. 

Again I summon all my power 

To cast him forth before an hour. 

I found he hid with cunning art, 

And never once had left my heart. 

This wicked foe that dwells within, 

Wouldst know his name? — his name is sin. 

So I find that never alone 

Can I this cruel foe dethrone. 

Then I send forth most earnest prayers 

To Him who hears, to Him who cares, 

That He this wicked foe secure. 

And make me holy, clean, and pure. 

Cleansed by His blood, kept by His power, 
I long to walk each day, each hour. 
So close unto my Saviour's side 
That sin can not with me abide. 
O Saviour, come and dwell within. 
That there may be no room for sin. 



OASIS 69 

GATHER FLOWERS 

Gather flowers while ye may. 
As ye travel Hfe's highway. 
Flowers of patience, truth, and duty, — 
These will never lose their heauty. 

Gather flowers for each child. 
For the Saviour on them smiled. 
Tell them oft the sweet old story ; 
It will fill their lives with glory. 

Gather flowers for the young. 
In their fragrant beauty hung,— 
Flowers of truth from God's own page, 
To guide and bless both youth and age. 

Gather flowers for the old, 
Give them sweetest flowers to hold. 
Kindness, love, and words of praise 
Win give them joy in weary days. 

Gather flowers then for all ; 
Through life's journey let them fall, 
And in beauty they will glisten, 
While your soul in joy will listen 

As you hear the Saviour say, 
"Child, these flowers will ne'er decay ; 
They will make bright thy passing days, 
And lead where all is love and praise." 



70 OASIS 

THE CHANGING TIDE 

The night my next-door baby died, 
I went to bed and scarcely cried, 
While peacefully all night I slept. 
And when I waked, I never wept. 

A storm came down on a city fair, 
Hundreds made homeless and dying there. 
Yet I carelessly went upon my way. 
Nor thought of their sufferings once that day. 

There were perils by land, perils by sea. 
Floods and famines, but none touched me. 
So together we sang and praised the Lord, 
And every cent of our surplus did hoard. 

But the cruel tide came in one day 
And bore my treasures all away ; 
Houses and lands, I saw them go. 
Swept by the tide's resistless flow. 

Then cried I aloud in agony of tears, 
How can I lose the savings of years? 
I saw people laugh, and sing, and shout, 
And wondered what they could be about. 

How could they be glad while I was sad, 
Though wife and children still I had? 
Wife sweetly said, Let us kneel and pray, 
That God saved us each and all this day. 

Ah ! the changing tide, it brought much back ; 
I have plenty now, and do not lack ; 
And when I hear of a brother's pain, 
I just divide, and count it gain. 



OASIS 71 

Great is our joy, when we kneel at night. 
God is our Shepherd, and leads aright. 
Give, and unto you it shall be given ; 
So shall ye here find foretaste of heaven. 

CITY OF GOD 

A beautiful city by faith I see, 
With mansions prepared for you and me. 
And catch faint strains of its melody. 
Borne in a song from the crystal sea. 

The Lamb of God is the city's light. 
And angels are praising Him day and night. 
In crowns of glory and raiment white ; 
Where nothing cometh to make a blight. 

The river of life is flowing by. 
Leaves for the healing are ever nigh ; 
God shall wipe all tears from every eye. 
In that fair land where none ever die. 

How may we enter that city fair, 
That city unknown to sin or care ? 
Only the obedient enter there. 
Celestial joys with angels to share. 

Cleansed by His blood, by His grace made strong, 
Day by day He will lead us along, 
Filling our hearts with a glad new song, 
Bring us to dwell with the ransomed throng. 

Never before such great love was shown. 
He will tenderly bear us. His loved, His own, 
Away into heaven, — by a new name known. — 
Ever to sing round the Father's throne. 



12 OASIS 

OUR GOD IS KING 

O troubled heart, look up and sing. 
The blessed Saviour is our king; 

He rules the earth. 
And angel bands are waiting near 
Thy poor petitions glad to hear. 

He knows their worth. 

What though injustice stalks so bold. 
Seeking to rule by legal hold? 

Our God is king. 
Wait on the Lord and be ye strong, 
For right shall triumph over wrong, 

And justice bring. 

Highest in heaven, He bends to hear 
The faintest cry of His children dear, 

Who never cry in vain. 
So oppression, greed, and crime shall die, 
And we shall shout the victory. 

When Christ on earth shall reign. 

OUR SHIP 
To Mrs. H. (1914) 

When our ship comes in, sister, — ■ 

Comes in from over the sea, — 
It will never bring back, sister, 

What it took from you and from me. 

For it sailed with our beautiful youth, 

Our good health and bright hopes for its crew ; 

Fast it sped o'er the waters of time. 
To never more come to our view. 



OASIS 73 

We may reach, or call in vain, sister; 

No answer comes over its track; 
For youth and hope and love's sweet dream 

Old time will never bring back. 

But there is a ship gliding in, sister. 

And none its course can stay ; 
The pure, the holy, the freed from sin, 

It will bear to eternal day. 

OVER THE WAY 

Over the way is a home so fair. 

With four sweet children smiling there, 

Under a loving mother's care. 

I catch sweet glimpses of them each day, 
And hear their gladsome shouts at play, 
Those children so dear, over the way. 

The tears then come into these eyes, 
Eor mine are sleeping, to one day rise 
And dwell with Christ in Paradise. 

Oh ! is it wrong to long for them so. 

To miss them each day with heartfelt woe, 

As I watch those children come and go? 

Over the way, O mother so dear. 
Tenderly guide those children each year. 
The Saviour to love, and sin to fear. 

Then short or long their earthly stay, 
Thou'lt dwell together in endless day, 
And have thy children with thee alway. 



74 OASIS 

TO SISTER ROSE 

Sister, dear, come near me now, 
Place thy hand upon my brow, 
Gently drive away this pain 
That will come and come again. 

Kiss me as you used of old. 
When you such sweet stories told 
Of a precious Saviour's love, 
And a home and crown above. 

I am weary now of life, — 
Of its changes, sin, and strife, — 
And I feel it would be blest 
But to weep upon thy breast. 

Yet thine ever earnest eyes 
Lead me upward to the skies, 
And I know that thou wouldst say, 
''Sister, let us kneel and pray. 

''His sweet promises you've heard; 
Read anew His holy Word, — 
How He loves each trusting one, — 
And then say, 'Thy will be done.' " 

GOD'S REDEEMING LOVE 

A prisoner by the bars shut in. 
Yet stronger bound by chains of sin, 

I'm sinking in the sands. 
A sinner more than I can tell, 
Afar from God and truth I'd fell. 

And could not break the bands. 



OASIS 75 

. I lift my eyes, a light appears, 

I see my Saviour all in tears; 
He died to ransom me. 

Others look coldly in my face; 
: He lifts me up, in my disgrace, 
\ And sets me wholly free. 

i So will I praise Him all my days, 
i Seeking to walk in His blest ways, 
And do His holy will. 
O soul, look up when bound by sin, 
; And let the blessed Saviour in, 
^ Thy life with joy to fill. 

j AWAY FROM HOME 

Away from home in the pitiless blast, 
Wh^re the missiles of death were flying fast, — 
The storm cloud came, with the angry rain, 
And the tent I had sought was rent in twain. 

Then I cried to God; He heard my prayer, 
And sheltered me with His loving care, 
Taking me up in His arms of love ; 
Gave me blest visions of things above. 

Then set me down at my own cottage door; 

And though it was small, and though it was poor, 

It never before seemed half so fair. 

With the dear ones I loved safe gathered there. 

Oh! who could wish for one moment to stray 
From the loving home, where the dear hearts stay ^ 
Or sigh for earth's treasures, fleeting and poor. 
When of heaven's wealth we can make sure? 



76 



OASIS 




Mrs. F. J. (Stanley) Miller, mother of Mrs.. H. 
F. Everett, was born in Ohio, Oct. 21, 1816. Was 
granddaughter of Nathan Walden, a Revolutionary 
soldier. Her father served as a soldier in the War 
of 1812. Her husband and two sons, also two of her 
brothers, were soldiers in the Civil War. She was 
very patriotic, and an earnest worker for temperance. 

She died at her home in Yoakum, Tex,, Feb. 23, 
1912, aged 95 years 4 months and 2 days. 



OASIS 17 

TO MY MOTHER ON HER NINETY-FIRST 

BIRTHDAY 

Long years ago, a child at play, 
Pure and fair as opening day. 
Wandering out to gather flowers. 
Merry and happy through all the hours, 
Loving friends to guide her aright. 
Making life a joy and delight. 

Time passed on, and woman's years 
Brought her many sorrows and tears ; 
For over the mountains of pain and woe 
All who tread life's journey must go; 
But, led by the Saviour's love along. 
Soon Vvall she sing the glad new song. 

TO MY MOTHER ON HER NINETY-FIFTH 

BIRTHDAY 

(Oct. 21, 1911) 

I think of thee when clouds unfold 
Their beautiful colors, tipped with gold. 
And when the moon with gentle ray 
Illumes this earth with softer day. 
And when the stars with light doth shine 
Like that dear, kindly face of thine. 

I think of thee at twilight's hour. 

When hushed each bird and closed each flower. 

And when the dew doth gently fall 

Like tears of sorrow, refreshing all — 

Rejoice to think of that happy morrow, 

Where we may meet beyond all sorrow: 



78 OASIS 

WHEN THE SAVIOUR COMES TO REIGN 
1 Thess. 4 : 16, 17 

Weary one with heavy load, 
Traveling lonely on thy road, 
Lay thy heavy burden by. 
For His coming draweth nigh. 

Sinning one, repent and live, 
Jesus gladly will forgive ; 
He will cleanse our sin's dark stain, 
Make us fit with Him to reign. 

We are children of His care ; 
We shall meet Him in the air ; 
Soon He'll come to be our king, . 
Then glad praises we will sing. 

Suffering one, is thy pain great? 
Murmur not, but patient wait ; 
Soon He'll come to still thy pain. 
Soon the Saviour comes to reign. 

Aged one, trembling with years, 
God shall wipe away thy tears. 
And thy youth shall come again. 
When the Saviour comes to reign. 

Then the blind His face shall see. 
And the lame shall leaping be, 
While the deaf shall hear His voice. 
And the dumb in song rejoice. 

''Sorrow and sighing flee away," 
For His children that glad day ; 
With the dead in Christ we'll rise 
To meet our Saviour in the skies. 



OASIS 79 

Tokens now of His descending, 
Earthquake shocks the earth are rending, 
Men's hearts faihng them for fear, 
All proclaim His coming near. 

But the faithful He'll deliver; 
We shall stand with Him forever. 
To never more know death or pain, 
For with our Saviour we shall reign. 

PRESS ON 

Press on, with brave, courageous heart. 

Though obstacles intervene, 
Sometime the darkest clouds will part, 

And the beauty of stars be seen. 

Press on, though fast thy tears are falling, 

A chasm dark before thee near ; 
Heed the voice of duty calling, 

And the chasm will disappear. 

Press on, though oft the way seem long. 

And friends are very few ; 
For those who sing the victor's song 

Must tread the winepress through. 

Press onward, then, in truth and right; 

Tread sin and doubt beneath thy feet. 
Then shall thy fears dissolve in light ; 

Thy trust in God will be complete. 

Press onward, then, with heart uplifted 

To a God who answereth prayer ; 
For by His love all clouds are rifted. 

And thou shalt find glad entrance there. 



80 OASIS 

ON A FALSE IMPRISONMENT 

I had thought to Hve so nobly, 

Above all fear of blame, 
That many would praise and bless me, 

And speak in love my name. 

I thought to cheer the weary 
With songs from out my heart, 

To smile when all was dreary, 
And strength to others impart. 

But strange to say, they bound me, 

Called me a common thief. 
And into prison cast me. 

All helpless in my grief. 

Then a darkness came upon me, 

And never a ray of light 
Came into my cell to cheer me 

That lone and dreary night. 

And many gazed at me coldly. 
Though some in a careless way ; 

But every one did blame me; 
All turned in scorn away. 

Then one gave tender hand clasp. 
And spake in love my name — 

Whether innocent or guilty, 
I love you, just the same. 

A glory seemed to o'erpower me. 
The darkness all was flown ; 

God's love was around above me. 
If I had onlv known. 



OASIS 81 

I'^or God's love is stronger, purer, 

Than human love can be; 
And though I had called so faintly, 

He had heard and answered me. 

And a messenger came flying 

That freed me from all blame; 
For another had done the deed, 

And I had suffered the shame. 

So nov^ in my quiet home of peace. 

Made bright with love and song, 
I question if we love the same 

When we think they've done the wrong. 

For God's love is wide and boundless, 

Deeper than any sea; 
His love is alike for each sinner, 

Whether it's you or me. 

He died to redeem the erring; 

If kindness true be given. 
With love for souls like the Master's, 

Souls may be won for heaven. 

UNDER THE COFFIN LID 

We gazed on the still and Hfeless face, 

Under the coffin lid, 
And thought of the true and faithful life 

That sin and evil chid. 

To one who sought to do God's will 
We could have brought sweet flowers, 

Could kissed away their tears of pain 
And cheered their latest hours. 



82 OASIS 

Now we read God's glory on the brow, 

Under the coffin lid, 
And prayerfully, tearfully, turned away. 

For grief the vision hid. 

The flowers now grow above that grave, 

Above that coffin lid ; 
Too late we cry, too late to save. 

If ought of harm we did. 

But there are fainting hearts still here. 
And night is coming fast, — 

Child of God, go forth to cheer, 
And hear, Well done, at last. 

THE TONGUE 

I have a foe — 'twill always stay. 
And often causes me dismay. 
It is my tongue — 'twill blab away, 
And always bound to have its say. 

One time I went to a gay party ; 
I talked so much, they called me "Smarty." 
So home I went in tears and pain, 
Resolved I'd never speak again. 

Next morning I talked right along; 
Said this was right, and that one wrong ; 
If I could only have my way, 
I'd right the world in half a day. 

Said one, You make my head to ache ; 
Another said. For pity's sake. 
Do give your tongue a little rest. 
And then your neighbors will be blest. 



OASIS 83 

'Twas then a fairy touched my cheek, 
And said, Think "twice before you speak" ; 
Then only say what is kind and true. 
And people then will listen to you. 

Now if any young or older child 
Has trouble with his tongue so wild. 
List to the fairy's second speech. 
And practice just the things you teach. 

To others' faults be a little blind, 
And never say a word unkind. 
Then folks will come to listen to you, 
And say hurrah when you are through. 

Now having changed this foe to friend, 
'Tis time this tale of truth should end; 
And so good-bye to each and all. 
But for a speech just on me call. 

CLOUDS 

Over the beautiful blue sky, dark clouds will 
come, and its beauty and light be hidden for a time. 
So over the true Christian's life, temptations, trials, 
and sorrows come, and often hide for a time the 
beauty of their inner life. 

The cares of life may crowd upon them. Satan 
may set his snares, and they may yield to temptation. 

Yet sure as there is a blue sky beyond the clouds, 
they will roll back and reveal all in its original beauty. 
So to the true Christian those mists of sin, wrought 
by Satan, will be lifted back by the finger of God, 
and the life will be pure and true as God designed it. 



84 OASIS 

BORROWING GIRLS 

The girls are coming here to-night, 
So build the fire and make it bright, 
And sing a song of happy cheer, 
Of welcome to these girls so dear ; 
For now they come, these merry girls, 
With braided hair, with bangs, with curls. 
To fill our home with glad delight 
Just for a little time to-night. 

Fair Helen, with her heart so true. 
Then Mary, Dollie, Kittie, Lou- 
Sweet Bessie, with her ways so shy. 
Slips up to kiss before I spy ; 
And Sarah gently combs my hair. 
While Lou brings me some flowers rare. 
And Bertha whispers, sweet and low, 
I'll sing to you, I love you so. 

Then grandpa says, with tearful eyes. 

This borrowing girls is never wise. 

They are not borrowed girls, I say. 

For they are God's own pearls alway. 

I am His child. His children we ; 

The same kind God made them and me. 

Yet when the sun is sinking low. 

Out from my home these girls must go ; 

And silence settles over all. 

Save the clock's tick against the wall. 

'Tis then I lift my heart in prayer 
That God be with them everywhere. 
His shining bands of truth and right 
Guard them around, both day and night. 



OASIS 85 

And shut out sin and blight and wrong, 
That always they to God belong, 
And, guided by our Father's hand, 
They reach with joy the Promised Land. 

LOVE'S FLOWERS 

To Mrs. K , when her arm was broken 

My sister dear across the way, 
I pen these lines for thee to-day ; 
For thou hast tasted pain and care, 
Of sorrow's hours have had thy share ; 
Yet earth's best joy through all must be, 
For love's sweet flowers bloom for thee. 

E'en though both hands should helpless lie 
Thou couldst not toil for dear ones nigh. 
Still would thy life be as a light. 
Leading lost wanderers to the right. 
All glory crowned thy life must be 
While love's pure flowers bloom for thee. 

Though tears should fall at sin and pain. 
How sweet the earth is after rain ! 
Thy heart with joy and love attune. 
Like roses fair in month of June. 
Look up and sing whate'er may be, 
While love's true flowers bloom for thee. 

Then though ofttimes the way seems long, 
And right is shaded by the wrong, 
God lead thee on to heavenly rest. 
And every day give thee the best, — 
The very best that on earth can be, 
Love's unfading flowers to bloom for thee. 



86 OASIS 

ROYAL AND KINGLY 

That I'm willing to marry I own is true, 
The kind of a man I will tell unto you. 
He need not be born titled or great, 
Need not be rich in worldly estate, — 
Just a plain man of common good sense. 
Who says what he means with kindly intents; 
Truly in earnest, thorough all through. 
Royal and kingly because honest and true. 

And never tobacco, whisky, or rum 
Anywhere near his lips will come; 
Profanity never enter his heart — 
His lips in prayers to God will part — 
Kind to the lowly, the weak and small, — 
God's own gentleman unto all. 
Royal and kingly and so truly great, — 
This is the man for which I wait. 

Now I see you smiling at what I have said. 

Thinking such kind of men all long ago dead ; 

But I have met such, and so I can say 

I'm sure I will find my hero some day. 

And when he conies marching with merry song, 

He will know at once I to him belong. 

We'll join hearts and hands and pull together, 

And help each other in all kinds of weather. 

Now let me add, in closing this rhyme, 

Pulling together ''wins the day" every time. 



OASIS 87 

DON'T MARRY A MAN TO SAVE HIM 

To Girls (1859) 
Girls, here is a bit of advice for you : 
There are men in the world whose love is true, 
Whose hearts are noble, whose hands are clean, 
Who would scorn a practice vlugar and mean. 

Don't marry a man to save him. 
Would you shun a life of disease and pain, 
A broken heart and a weary brain? 
Would you shun the plague of a living death? 
Oh! never while you draw your breath, 

Marry a man to save him. 
If your friend has wedded the fatal cup. 
Try your best endeavor to hft him up; 
You may give him your sympathy and prayers, 
Remember him to the God who cares; 

But never marry to save him. 
Though you go to your grave alone, what then? 
Don't join the Hst of sad women and men; 
You can not afford yourself to be lost, 
And, oh! you are paying a fearful cost 

When you marry a man to save him. 
O'er the graves of our loved ones blossoms grow, 
In the beautiful years that come and go. 
But where is the love that can sanctify 
The festering dead that unburied lie? 

Don't marry a man to save him. 

If he turns his back on the God of truth, 
If he kills the beautiful hopes of youth, 
If the mother who bare him can not stay 
His course of destruction, go on your way ; 
No woman on earth can save him. 



88 OASIS 

MOTHERLESS ALICE 

I went away to my study 

With trouble most hard to bear ; 

In bank I'd lost my every shekel, 
Even my home it did not spare. 

And I watched my motherless Alice, 
Playing at dressing the cats, 

Singing so sweet to her dollies, 
While making them fanciful hats. 

She espied my sorrow so quick. 
And lifting her clear blue eyes, 

Said, Papa, you look so very sick, 
My papa, so good and wise. 

Perhaps 'twas foolish to tell her. 
So young, so happy and gay, 

That I'd nothing left to live for, 
Our home and all swept away. 

With arms clasped close around me. 
As climbing upon my knee. 

She whispered, I've got you, papa, 
And I'm sure that you have got me. 

Sweet child, fast the years have drifted. 
She is grown and now far away ; 

They tell she is noble and gifted. 
Kind and true as the day. 

But to me she will never be dearer 
Than, when climbing upon my knee, 

She whispered, I've got you, papa, 
And I'm sure that you have got me. 



OASIS 89 

CHILDREN PLAYING IN THE STREET 

Oh, the busy, restless feet 
Of children playing in the street ! 
Now they come and now they go. 
With their footsteps fast or slow ; 
And they seem so full of delight 
As they play from morn till night. 

Now they play grandfather, mother 
Saying children such a bother ; 
Then they sit, all quaint and prim. 
For two minutes on a limb ; 
And I almost forget my care 
As I watch them, sweet and fair. 

Now comes the police with flail ; 
Off he takes poor Jack to jail; 
With long grass, ties him to tree; 
Jack escapes with shouts of glee. 
Thus they play, all free from care, 
And their laughter fills the air. 

See, a doctor steps along; 
Says they every one are wrong; 
With a pin he sticks each hand — 
He must vaccinate the band. 
Then they rest beneath the trees, 
In the evening's cooling breeze. 

Now we see them playing school, 
With a dunce block, cat for a fool ; 
Playing pussy wants a corner — 
Then one shouts. Play Jack Horner — 
Happy children, sweet and fair. 
Adding to our joy and care. 



90 OASIS 

Now see all seated in a row, 

Playing they are bad, and so 

One whips them softly, as they should — 

Will they promise to be good? 

Then they're up and scamper away, 

But they'll come again next day. 

SOWING SEEDS 

"Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." 

Gal. 6:7 
Said a thoughtless youth in a careless way, 
''I will sow thistles for just one day; 
For I am young and must have my fun. 
No great harm in one day can be done. 
There'll be much time through manhood hours 
To sow good seeds to bring fair flowers." 
So he sowed the thistles far and wide, 
From early morn till the eventide. 
The thistles grew, all rank and wild; 
They hurt the tender feet of each child. 
To all who passed they gave much pain — 
The place became known as Thistle Lane. 
They pierced the sower to the very heart ; 
Years of right sowing did not heal the smart. 
For all through his life of many years 
They ever brought him sorrow and tears. 
O childhood fair! O beautiful youth! 
Sow only the seeds of love and truth. 
They will spring up to gladden thy hours. 
Filling thy pathway with sweetest flowers. 
Then sow in thy joy or sow in thy pain, 
Ripe golden sheaves shall be thy gain ; 
Though you should live an hundred years, 
They will bring thee blessings instead of tears. 



OASIS 91 

PLENTY OF TIME 

Plenty of time, said a careless girl, 

As round and round she danced in a whirl; 

Plenty of time ere the day is done 

To finish the tasks she had begun. 

So she idled away the morning hours, 
Nor mended her dress, or weeded her flowers; 
And when at last the dinner bell rang, 
Plenty of time, still gaily she sang. 

When the golden hours were all passed by — 
The sun had set, and night drew nigh — 
Still her tasks remained undone, 
Just as they were when the day begun. 

An idle, careless girl, 'twas said. 
She crept away to her unmade bed. 
With tears in her eyes, was heard to say, 
I will do my tasks another day. 

O idler, arouse, and to thy work ; 

Do each duty well, nor pause to shirk; 

Then the Master will say, ''Well done," to thee, 

And joy will be thine through eternity. 

BROTHER MAN 

'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Gal. 5: 14 

Heed this message, brother man : 
Help your neighbor all you can. 
If he seeks to go astray. 
Lead him in the better way. 



92 OASIS 

Is he sick, down, and out? 
All by sin 'twas brought about. 
Give him kindest words of cheer, 
Till his courage reappear. 

Has he fallen in the ditch? 
Give him not another pitch. 
Lift him up, nor turn aside 
To pass by in lordly pride. 

Lift him up and let him see 
That God cares for such as he. 
Then, perchance, thy kindly love 
Will bid him turn to God above. 

Helping others all you can. 
You will grow a better man ; 
And the rescued ones you bring 
With thee will Christ's praises sing. 

LINES AT CLOSE OF SCHOOL 

How pleasant were the days now flown ; 
What happy days we here have known. 
Learning to walk in wisdom's ways. 
And storing knowledge for future days. 
Though lessons oft wxre hard, 'tis joy to know 
That we can conquer as through life wx go. 

Now all the long weeks are past ; 

We've met and called this day the last. 

Farewell to scholars and to teachers dear 

Will oft be breathed by hearts sincere ; 

And parting now, we never shall regret 

Time rightly spent with one we never will forget. 



OASIS 93 

ALBUM VERSES 

Oh ! life may be fair, oh ! life may be rare, 

Its hours all full of beauty, 
And every dream bright as it seem, 

If we each would do our duty. 

Oh ! then let us rise and win this great prize 
We read in the sweet old story, — 

A life here below of peace to know. 
And above a life of glory. 

FAREWELL TO A YOUNG FRIEND 

I could bear to see some sorrow 
Come to shade thy happy brow ; 

I could bear to part to-morrow 
From a friend so kind as thou. 

I could bear to live on lonely, 
Hiding all my grief and fears ; 

I could bear to see thy sunshine 
Shaded with some grief and tears. 

But I could not bear, my darling, 

You should linger in the cold ; 
Should be all shut out forever 

From the happy heavenly fold. 

Could not bear to think thy spirit 

Never would know the joy, the rest, 

Never walk the golden city. 

With the ransomed, with the blest. 



94 OASIS 

Now farewell, and mai^ God keep thee 
With a love far more than mine ; 

Lead thee, bless thee, love thee ever. 
Light thy soul with joys divine. 

FOR THIS DEAR GIRL 

Souvenir Music Recital (May, 1908) 

With future life of promise bright. 
Past child's fair days, so full of light; 
For loving parents watched with care 
To make the childhood pure and fair 
For this dear girl. 

Then learning came to light the way 
That led her up to woman's day ; 
And now bright hope, with fairy wings, 
Brings promise of still better things 
For this dear girl. 

We see her stand with shining eyes. 
As the world's great need before her lies. 
Her faith in God, her courage strong 
To do the right and shun the wrong, — 
This precious girl. 

Crowned with truth's undying flowers. 
Brighter will grow her passing hours. 
Sweet love, come dwell within the heart. 
To soothe and lighten every smart 
For this dear girl. 

Shining angels, guide the way 
As swift shall pass ''life's little day" ; 
The Saviour walk close by her side, 
Till she reach that city glorified. 
Whose gates are pearl. 



OASIS 95 

CHRISTMAS IS COMING 
''Christmas is coming," said a pale, sick boy, 
And his wan cheek flushed with childish joy. 
Christmas is coming, and though poor we be, 
Santa, I know, will bring something to me. 
And so with my pennies, I'll buy a toy 
For dear little sister that's only three. 
"Christmas is coming," said a merry girl. 
And she shook her rich dress, while many a curl 
Fell over her brow as she danced about, 
While from her lips there arose a shout: 
Something I'll buy for the poor, you see. 
Something that good and useful will be. 
"Christmas is coming," said the parents, as near 
They bent over each little sleeper so dear; 
What shall we buy for our Johnnie — a sled? 
A rocking horse for dear baby Fred? 
Or a doll for Maud? — what shall it be, say, 
To make the children happy Christmas day? 
"Christmas is coming," said Grandfather Brown, 
As he hitched up his donkeys and went to town ; 
I used to buy for my children not long ago — 
How time does fly! how children grow! 
Nuts, candy, and apples I used to get; 
I think they will please the children yet. 
"Christmas is coming," said grandmother dear, 
And her eyes were moistened with many a tear. 
As she thought of others, yet knit away 
Stockings and mittens for Christmas day. 
While children were trying whispers to smother 
About slippers and chair they were getting grand- 
mother. 



96 OASIS 

And so were they all, from man to boy, 

Planning to give for another's joy; 

And their hearts were glad, for the sunlight came 

To those who were giving in Jesus' name ; 

And the words of the gospel they could fully believe, 

'Tis more blessed by far to give than receive. 

CHRISTMAS EVERYWHERE 

To-night glad Christmas bells are ringing 

Out on the silvery, starlit air — ■ 
With sad hearts sighing, glad hearts singing — 

Sweet Christmas cometh everywhere. 

For He who journeyed doing good. 

And had not where to lay His head. 
Still lives within the hearts of men. 

Rich blessings on their lives to shed. 

Then bring such gifts as cheer the sad. 

To make the weary sing. 
While unto Christ, who died for all. 

Your hearts' best treasures bring. 

And so shut out all grief and wrong 

With joy and love's sweet light. 
Join in the happy Christmas song 

Of 'Teace, good will," to-night. 

So while glad Christmas bells are ringing 

Out on the silvery, starlit air, 
All hearts grow glad, Christ's praises singing, 

Sweet Christmas cometh everywhere. 



OASIS 97 

CHRISTMAS LINES 

That I could bring — oh ! is there naught, this blessed 

Christmas night? — 
One word of hope or sunlit thought to make thy life 

more bright; 
For God's rich blessings o'er thee fall, — home, love, 

and friends so true^ — • 
And thou hast listened to God's call — what more 

could I bring you? 

And yet I would this tribute bring, of truth wove into 

song: 
The weary thou hast caused to sing, above the clouds 

of wrong; 
The sorrowing heart has lighter grown, the bitter 

tears unshed. 
Whene'er their path hath met thine own ; for joy thou 

wrought instead. 

Thy life hath taught of Jesus' love; many do bless 

thy name. 
And loved by those who know thee best, who'd ask 

for sweeter fame? 
Yet sweeter joy shall yet be thine, than earth's best 

treasures give, 
For jewels in thy crown will shine when thou with 

Christ doth live. 



The days go by, the days go by ; 
The years are gone ; the moments fly. 
Oh ! then in youth's bright morning learn, 
And future joys and blessings earn. 



98 OASIS 

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS 
If in the coming Christmas days so sweet, 
I could but do one deed for Christ complete,— 
Could ease for one the weary couch of pain, 
Or bid one wanderer start aright again; 
Could but, by word or look or tone, 
Bring hope to some sad heart that's lone, — 
Then could I feel the coming Christmas day 
Lighted with joy that would not pass away. 

If I could bring one flower to bloom 
In some dark cell where there is gloom ; 
For tired feet spread out a smoother way ; 
Point hearts to know God's love each day ; 
Could shield each trusting little child 
From contact with the sinful and defiled, — 
Oh ! then the coming Christmas I could greet 
Crowned with a joy full and complete. 

Be still, poor heart, the gift you seek is near ; 
God cares for all, thou needst not fear, — - 
Trust Him, walk bravely in the path He leads, 
And smile on others though thine ovm heart bleeds ; 
Bury thy sorrow, so shalt thou forget its sting. 
While joy and gladness thou to others bring. 
And when at last God calls thee to thy rest, 
Thy last glad Christmas day shall be thy best. 

CHILDHOOD 
I never will drink whisky, or smoke or chew, 
For I am a temperance boy, good and true ; 
And when I go to school, I will learn all I can. 
For I don't want to be a fool when I grow up a man. 

A. V. E. 



OASIS 99 



THE SILENT CITY 



I passed by that city, that silent city, 

The city of the dead, 
Where never an unjust deed is done, 

Or unkind word ever said. 

Where the strong wrongs not his weaker brother. 

Or turns from him coldly away ; 
Where they murmur not at their lowly lot. 

Though cold or hot the day. 

With envy, pride, and strife unknown. 

Gossip and evil unsaid, 
They dwell together so peacefully. 

Each in his narrow bed. 

For aught that is harmful can not invade 

To mar their deep repose ; 
And they calmly lie while the ages roll, 

Unmindful of friends or foes. 

Never complaint or murmur is heard 

That this one has more than I, 
Though some have flowers and some have none, 

And some have monuments high. 

Then learn a lesson, ye living ones, — 

Do kindly deeds while ye may. 
Oh! help to cheer the children of men, 

For life is but a day. 

And our steps fast trend, my traveling friend. 

Toward that city of the dead, 
Where we soon shall lie, both you and I, 

Each in our narrow bed. 



100 OASIS 

THE VISITOR 

Death came to me one sunny day, 
When my young heart with joy was gay, 
When all my flowers were blooming new, 
And every friend was fond and true. 

Death ! I cried, thou cruel foe, 
Stay, stay thy hand ; I can not go ; 
My sweetest songs are all unsung, 
My life work too is just begun. 

1 lived. My husband, noble, strong, 
Made life one grand and happy song; 
And little children, fair and sweet, 
Crowned my life with joy complete. 

So then I sang glad songs each day. 
To cheer the weary on their way. 
In duty's path to spend life's hours ; 
And all my way was bright with flowers. 

There came a change ; my husband died ; 
My children all slept by his side; 
And I, like helpless boat at sea. 
Cried out to God in agony. 

Oh ! send the boatman pale again, 
That he may end this weary pain ; 
But angels, whispering, said. Take heed ; 
Live to bless other hearts that need. 

For God has many children lone, 

Who suffer with unheeded moan ; 

And helpless ones, all sick and sad. 

Which thou couldst comfort and make glad. 



OASIS 101 

So now I sing, though sad my heart, 
That joy to others I may impart, 
Knowing there'll be an end to pain, 
When our dear Lord will come to reign. 

GRANDMA STILWELL 

Her gentle presence lingers with us yet ; 
The sweet and patient life we'll ne'er forget. 

How she could suffer and be still ! 
Her cheerful, sunny smile, and kindly way, — 
Praising her God when bright or dark life's day. 

Seeking to know His will. 

We've laid the dear, loved form to rest; 
Placed earth's fairest flowers upon her breast,— 

The best that love could bring, — 
While she, redeemed and fair as stars of light, 
Around God's throne, in raiment white, 

Praises to Christ will sing. 

LOVE'S DREAM 

A precious pearl to us was given, 

Fairer than lily white ; 
Pure as the snow drop first from heaven. 

She came, and earth grew bright. 

We learned to love her so the while. 
This quaint, sweet child of ours, 

With mother ways and sunny smile, 
A gem among earth's flowers. 



102 OASIS 

Daily she filled our hearts with joy ; 

The hours of hfe grew sweet; 
How dear the voice, the tiny hands, 

The busy, restless feet! 

As frost the fairest flowers can blight 

That e'er the sun shone on, 
Death came and turned our joy to night, 

For she from us was gone. 

We miss her so these passing years,— 
Miss her with bitter pain, — 

But know we'll meet beyond all tears 
When Christ shall come to reign. 

' MABEL TATUM 

Darling Mabel, Jesus called thee 
While all pure and free from sin; 

Called thee from earth's pain and sorrow, 
God's glorious home to enter in. 

How we wept, O darling Mabel! 

For God knows we loved thee so ! 
Oh ! our home is now so silent. 

And the bitter tears will flow. 

While a voice of love is saying. 
You can come with her to dwell, 

Where there is no grief or sadness, 
Nor is heard death's sad farewell. 

If but faithful to thy Saviour, 

Faithful through life's fleeting years. 

Then you'll meet and clasp your Mabel, 
P'ar beyond all reach of tears. 



OASIS 103 

GRANDMA STRUBLE 

(Ocheyedan, Iowa) 

How still she lies ! what silence she doth keep ! 
Our moans and tears do not disturb her sleep. 
The white hands crossed above the lifeless breast, 
The soft hair lightly o'er the forehead pressed, 
With smile upon her face that seemed to say, 
I love you still, though I am called away. 

We thought so much to keep her longer here, 
To bless us with her tender love and cheer ; 
But God knew best, and took her where 
They never taste of death or sin or care. 
In God's celestial home, all glory will she know ; 
And yet we miss her so, we miss her so. 

Sweet be her rest. Cold, wintry winds will sweep. 
And summer grasses o'er her grave will creep ; 
While, one by one, our time will come to die, — 
In mother earth full soon we too shall lie. 
If faithful until death, with crown of life all won. 
What joy will then be ours when life is done! 

DYING GIRL'S MESSAGE 

Talk often of that heavenly home. 
Your sister will meet you there ; 

Speak of the glory and the light 
Christ doth for us prepare. 

Wish me not back to dwell on earth. 

Shed not for me sad tears ; 
For better far than earth's best love 

My Saviour's love appears. 



104 OASIS 

Brothers, sisters, twine a wreath, 
And write thy names all there; 

Write you will live for God and heaven ; 
That message speak in prayer. 

, Talk often of that heavenly home, 
Where the good so soon will meet, 
Above all tears, through endless years, 
To sing God's love at Jesus' feet. 

FELL ASLEEP 

In Memoriam of Mrs. Carrie Martin, April, 1911. Lovingly 
inscribed to her friends. 

The day grew dark, for sorrow hid the light. 
When our beloved fell asleep one night,^ — 
"Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep, 
From which none ever wake to weep." 

We know she will awake in that glad home 
Where none in pain or sorrow roam ; 
But, Oh ! our loneliness and woe ; 
We loved her so, we miss her so. 

I dare not try to speak her worth. 

It so exceeds the common things of earth ; 

Her Hfe so pure, her day star, duty. 

To us she made the world all beauty. 

If guided by our Father's hand. 
We too may reach that shining land ; 
Sing God's praise on that sinless shore. 
With parting and death forever o'er. 



OASIS 105 

THE SUMMONS 

(1877) 

In the bright spring, the sweet spring, 

Did a summons pass us by? 
For it called unto another 

That the time had come to die. 

And the dear wife, the weeping wife. 

Could not bid it wait a day, 
Or the stricken, dying one 

Have a longer time to stay. 

So in manhood, bright manhood. 
Heart bound with tenderest ties, 

And years of painted joy before him, 
A husband and father dies. 

Thus in youth's time or after time 
Will the summons call us to die ; 

Then it will not be another. 
Then it will not pass us by. 

But if our life, our brief life, 

Is spent as God designed. 
Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard. 

The joys we then shall find. 

LINES ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG 
MOTHER 

Dead, dead, I heard them say. 
And saw them, weeping, turn away 
With little children fair 
From a young mother lying there. 



106 OASIS 

Dead, dead, and they laid her by, 
Down where we all so soon must lie, 
With every act on earth all done, 
Our "Crown of Life" either lost or won. 

Dead, dead, then turn and go 
From the dearest one we knew below. 
Back to the dear home we've known. 
With the joy and sunlight flown. 

Dead, dead — in a book we've read. 
Often times there is something said 
Of a promise sure, a pathway given. 
Leading the way to our loved in heaven. 

WISHES FOR A YOUNG COUPLE 

What would we wish thee crowned with to-day? 
Earth's fairest flowers? — they will fade and decay. 
Gold from the Orient, pearls from the sea? — 
Something far better we would wish for thee. 

A love that is lasting, faithful, and true. 
To more brightly glow all life's journey through. 
What would we wish thee, dear children grown tall? 
That thou seek thy God first, — the best gift of all. 

It will light all thy life, and brighten each day. 
When the eye has grown dim and the hair turned 

gray ; 
'Twill lead thee at last to the portals above. 
There ever to sing the dear Saviour's love. 

Helping each other in all that is right, 
Surely God's blessing on thee will unite, 
Bringing thee gladness time can not destroy — 
So, dear, youthful friends, we wish you much joy. 



OASIS 107 

THE WASHER WOMAN'S SOLILOQUY 

Long years I dwelt in a lowly cot, 

Where the roof was low and the sun was hot. 

The rich and happy passed me by, 

With never a thought did I live or die ; 

Through weary years I washed their clothes; 

They heeded not if I starved or froze. 

But a gallant ship came in with the tide, 
And bore my lost lover to my side. 
He built me a mansion fair to see. 
With cooling fans when hot it should be. 
And pitched it tight to keep out the cold; 
My coffers filled to the rim with gold. 

Suddenly I found I'd become very dear 
To all the people, both far and near. 
They came to inquire was I sick or well. 
With gifts and love more than I can tell. 
How I'd welcomed such gifts in my lowly cot, 
Where the roof was low and the sun was hot. 

Our Master's love is different, you see ; 

He never forgets either you or me. 

He died tO' redeem us all from sin, 

That His beautiful home we might enter in. 

His love is so gre'at He has never forgot 

Those in mansions fair or lowly cot. 

THE NURSE GIRL 
We see her come with shining eyes 
To where her patient helpless lies — 
With quiet step and steady hands, 
She skilfully applies the bands, 



108 - OASIS 

Speaking softly cheer and praise 

To soothe their pain through weary days, — 

O nurse beloved, to ease our pain 

And charm the sick to health again. 

MY LITTLE BOYS THREE 
They are fast asleep in the trundle bed, — 
On the pillow white each dear little head, 

With brows so pure and sweet. 
I am almost glad that the day is through. 
For I'm tired quite — there is much to do — 

While still are the restless feet. 
Yet earth does not hold aught of wealth or gold 
So dear to me as my little boys three, 
Lauren, Willie, and Pearl. 

I breathe a prayer from a mother's heart 
That God will keep them from sin apart. 

These treasures He hath given. 
And spare them to bless and comfort my life. 
With hearts pure and spotless from worldly strife, 

They may enter His heaven. 
For earth does not hold aught of wealth or gold, 
So dear to me as my little boys three, 
Lauren, Willie, and Pearl. 

Then I kiss each brow ere I go to rest. 
Well knowing my life is truly blest. 

Following the guiding star. 
So these children sweet I do gladly bring 
To lay at the feet of Christ my King, 

For of such His jewels are. 
And as dear, I know, each child here below 
To Christ must be as my little boys three, 
Lauren, Willie, and Pearl. 



OASIS 109 



TO ANNA 



Bright hope, spread thou thy fairy wings ; 
With beauty tint earth's common things. 
Sweet love, come dwell within the heart, 
To soothe and lighten every smart, 
For this dear girl. 

And faith, send forth thy constant ray 
To lead in duty's path alway. 
The Saviour walk close by thy side, 
'Till thou reach that city glorified, 
Whose gates are pearl. 

EARTH'S FADING TREASURES 

"I have loved flowers that fade," 
And songs that died in the air, 

Poor human hearts that strayed 
And left me in despair. 

Yea, I have loved sweet dreams, 

Of my life a very part; 
Still sweet their memory seems, 

Though they left an aching heart. 

So I turned from the false charms 

Of folly, sin, and pride. 
Within the everlasting arms 

Of a Father's love to hide. 

Now good news to all I tell 

Who earth's vain myths pursue, 

That if Christ within you dwell, 
Your life will be all true. 



110 OASIS 

SONG OF WINTER 

Oh! fair was the snow that fell through the night, 
Robing the earth in a beautiful white; 
Wreathing our door in a splendor so wild, 
Baby shouted with joy, while grandpapa smiled. 

The steps seemed wrought of a marble so pure 
One fain might believe they would ever endure ; 
But ere the sun shone with the warmth of midday, 
The beautiful snow was fast passing away. 

Then wept I with sadness that beauty so rare 
Must perish from sight so soon everywhere ; 
But grandpapa said, with voice hopeful and sweet. 
Nought ever will perish where Jesus we meet. 

Oh ! shed not a tear for the beautiful snow, 
For all that is earthly must perish just so. 

AFTERMATH 

After the frost had blighted the flowers, 

After the lone and sorrowful hours, 

After the toil of many years. 

When youth's sweet hopes had set in tears, 

After the tempest and the rain, — 

God's beautiful flowers all bloom again. 

For honor and truth are stars so bright. 

They shine undimmed through the darkest night ; 

So, duties done with sympathy true, 

God's flowers shall bloom for thee anew ; 

While love for God will light thy way 

Up the shining steps to eternal day. 



OASIS 111 

A FAREWELL 

Sometime I shall lie down, all calm and still, 
Without one thought of good or any thought of ill; 
No unkind word or deed can fill my heart with pain, 
Or words or deeds of love thrill it with joy again. 

The same bright stars, by day, by night, shall shine 
In unchanging beauty, like flowers divine ; 
The summers' heat, the winters' snow shall fall, 
While I sleep on unmindful of it all. 

And she I loved may come to shed one tear, 

To tell me that she loved me, when I can not hear; 

Yes, she may even say, I miss you so. 

And speak in tender tones ; but I shall never know. 

God guide my darling, safe through this world of sin. 
May she bring joy at her going out and coming in. 
While I sleep on through cold or sunny hours — 
God bring us both to meet within His heavenly bowers. 

MESSENGER 

Go, little book, on mission sent. 

Laden with thoughts of truth and righteousness 
sublime. 
As bards have sung, as braves have flung. 

They come to us down through the vistas of time. 
And as 'tis given, as though from heaven. 

In love we pass it on. 
A little of the spirit's leaven, 

Methinks they come to us from off the hand divine. 



112 



OASIS 



With soul uplift, the spirit's drift 

Is for a higher plane, — ■ 
Out of the dark into the light, 

Away from sin's dark stain, — 
The choosing of path, and the aftermath 

Of lives spent here below. 
Oh ! who can tell of the weighty spell 

As the days they come and go? 

May peace attend thy mission. 

And glory crown thy brow. 
Its words bring forth fruition 

In the supernal now. 
Then in the eternal future 

The reaping day will come ; 
When those who heed its truthful words 

Will all be gathered home. E. 



E. 




Raymond Miller, Yoakum, Tex. 



^ -o— o — o— o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o- ^ 

I i 

o o 

^ THE PRESENT CRISIS . ? 

o o 

Careless seems the great avenger; o 

? History's pages but record ? 

1 One death grapple in the darkness | 

o 

1 'Twixt old systems and the Word. I 

f I 

9 Truth forever on the scaffold, c> 

I Wrong forever on the throne, — ? 

o 

1 Yet that scaffold sways the future, | 

i And behind the dim unknown ], 

Standeth God, within the shadows, o 
? Keeping watch above His own. ? 

? I 

1 They enslave their children's children I 
i Who make compromise with sin. i 

9 — James Russell Lozvell. 9 

o 

1 I 
^-o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o — o— o-^ 




"CCyl"'')'"' 






/, 



HON. EDWARD EVERETT, 1794-1865 

Noted orator and statesman, was born April 11, 
1796; died Jan. 15, 1865. Some of his early educa- 
tion was obtained attending a school in Boston, Mass., 
taught by Hon. Ezekiel Webster, whose substitute for 
some weeks was his brother, Hon. Daniel Webster. 
In 1807, he entered Harvard College, and was gradu- 
ated with the first honors in 1811, although younger 
than all his classmates. After several years' teaching 
in Harvard College and pursuing his studies and trav- 
els in Europe, in 1824 he was elected representative 
from Massachusetts to Congress, serving ten year, till 
1835. He was elected Governor of Massachusetts 
three terms, 1836, 1837, 1838. In 1840 he was ap- 
pointed Minister Plenipotentiary from the United 
States to England. On his return to America, he was 
inaugurated, April, 1846, President of Harvard Col- 
lege, serving about three years ; In 1852, Secretary of 
State; and in 1853 chosen to the U. S. Senate. ''His 
address on the character of Washington he was asked 
to repeat in various places all over the Union one 
hundred and thirty-eight times, and realized httle less 
than ninety thousand dollars to the fund for the pur- 
chase of Mount Vernon." Mr. Bonner, proprietor of 
the New York Ledger, paid ten thousand dollars to 
this fund, on Mr. Everett contributing a weekly arti- 
cle to his paper for one year. These articles were 
repubHshed under title of ''Mount Vernon Papers." 
In 1860, he was nominated and run for Vice-presi- 
dent on the Constitutional Union ticket. 



HISTORICAL 

From the book, "Descendants of Richard Everett, 
of Dedham, Mass.," by Edward FrankHn Everett, 
A. M., printed in 1902, we learn that Richard Everett 
came to New England as early as 1636. It also con- 
tains about six thousand names of the Everett family, 
with short sketches of the lives of those who reached 
mature years. Richard Everett's son, Capt. John 
Everett, was shown to have been detailed with one 
hundred and fifty men to protect the colonies from 
the Indians about 1695; and his son, Deacon John 
Everett, of the third generation, has four sons carried 
forward in the genealogy, as well as some of the 
other brothers. Over forty-five are mentioned as 
serving as soldiers in the war of the Revolution. 

My grandfather, Eleazer Everett, enlisted sev- 
eral times, and served in that war, and was cousin 
to Judge Oliver Everett, the father of lion. Edward 
Everett, the orator and statesman. An interesting 
sketch is given of Nathaniel Everett, a brother of my 
grandfather, stating that on April 19, 1775, he was 
on the Lexington Alarm, and it speaks of several 
others of these soldiers in the same way. Numerous 
mention is made of the services of men of the later 
generations in the war of 1812, the war with Mexico, 
and the Civil War, as well as in the legislatures of 
our land and the halls of Congress. 

Two of my brothers served three years in the 
Civil War, in the Eourth Illinois Cavalry, and I was 
also deeply interested in these trying scenes and 
times. My father, Willard Everett, was born April 
8, 1785 ; thus his life and mine cover all but ten years 
of the history of the United States. Most of my life 



HISTORICAL 117 

has been engaged in the busy work of a farmer, and 
with the people, who, as Will Carleton puts it, are 
back of "the old plow and the bold plow that moves 
the world along. I have found time, however, to be 
quite a student of things pertaining to this busy old 
world, and have thought that some excerpts from the 
experiences of a life time might leave — 

"Footprints on the sands of time; 
Footprints, that perhaps another, 
Sailing o'er life's solemn main, 
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother. 
Seeing, shall take heart again." 

HISTORY OF A GREAT DECEPTION 

Our Saviour located, with unerring precision, the 
end of the world, in answer to the disciples' question, 
"What shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the 
end of the world?" (Matt. 24:3.) Notice the lo- 
cation of the signs asked for (verse 29). Immedi- 
ately after the tribulation (described in some of the 
previous verses) of those days shall the sun be 
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and 
the stars shall fall from heaven." Then in verses 33 
and 34, He commands them to knoiv it is "near, even 
at the doors," and "this generation shall not pass till 
all these things be fulfilled." What things? Un- 
doubedly those that His disciples asked for in verse 
3, — signs of His coming and the end of the world. 
Notice in this connection Ps. 102:25, 26; Is. 51:6, 
"The earth shall wax old like a garment, as a vesture 
shalt thou change them," etc. 

Mark, describing it more exactly, locates the 
commencement of the signs given "in those days, 



118 HISTORICAL 

after that tribulation" (Mark 13:24), which brings 
us to the noted Dark Day of 1780, which is generally 
conceded to be the sign the Saviour referred to as 
the darkening of the sun and moon. The twenty- 
second verse of Matthew 24 would seem to have been 
almost overlooked, or ignored, by the great majority 
of professing Christians. This verse brings to mind 
the centuries of the most determined and unrelenting 
persecution, in which "the dragon, that old serpent, 
the devil, and Satan" (Gen. 3:1; Rev. 20:2; 12:9; 
2 Pet. 2:4), "having great wrath, because he know- 
eth that he hath but a short time" (Rev. 12: 12), was 
moving everything that could be moved to cozier up 
and ''cast dozvn" to the ground eternal truth (Dan. 
8: 12). 

Under such conditions, is it wise to expect that 
truth could come out unalloyed? or that the people 
who were delivered from these persecutions by the 
Reformation, which, under God's guidance, "short- 
ened those days" (Matt. 24: 22), could get away from 
their environment? I firmly believe that the many 
different denominations of the Christian church give 
an emphatic answer that they could not, or did not; 
and knowing this, our Lord gave the warning to 
"watch" (Matt. 24:42; Mark 13:32-37), closing 
with, "What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch." 

This predicts a great, universal deception, in- 
volving the question of obedience to God. Notice 
1 Cor. 10: 11.) "All these things happened unto them 
for ensamples, and they are written for our admoni- 
tion, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 
By reference to any encyclopedia, under the word 
"Baal," it may be seen that the Baal worship for 



HISTORICAL 119 

which four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal were 
slain at the hand of Elijah (1 Kings 18:40) was 
nothing more or less than sun worship. This same 
idolatry of sun worship is also portrayed in Eze. 
8:9-18, revealing God's anger and threatened punish- 
ment, for which Israel is so fearfully suffering. 

In the "Century Book of Facts," pubHshed in 
1901, page 199, notice the subject, "The origin of the 
days of the week." It states that "the names of these 
are derived from Saxon idolatry," and it further states 
that "Sunday, being dedicated to the Sun, was called 
by them Sunandaeg." 

Thus you see, my dear friends, that Sunday is a 
relic of the ancient idolatry of the Baal sun worship, 
and also of the Saxon idol worship. The encyclope- 
dias show plainly that Constantine, 321 years after 
the Saviour's time, issued a decree changing the Sab- 
bath to Sunday. (See Dan. 7: 25.) "And shall think 
to change times and laws." Millions of people to-day 
are holding up to God the "glorious day of the sun" 
(see Emperor Constantine's edict), Sunday, and say- 
ing, "This is just as good a day to observe as the 
seventh day that you blessed and sanctified in the 
beginning" (Gen. 2:3). They also sometimes say, "I 
don't believe God is so particular about a day," for- 
getting that He says, "I am a jealous God" (Ex. 
20:5); "I will not give My glory to another" (Isa. 
48:11). Thus this ritualism and formalism, brought 
into the church by a compromise with paganism is 
very different from the "simplicity that is in Christ" 
(2 Cor. 11:3). "For what agreement hath the tem- 
ple of God with idols ? . . . Come out . . . and be ye 
separate" (Ibid., 16, 17). 



120 HISTORICAL 

We learn that God blessed and sanctified the sev- 
enth day as a memorial of creation (Gen. 2:3), and 
our Saviour was with Him in that act. (See John 
1:2, 3.) While on earth, He made no change in the 
Sabbath, but always kept the seventh day, "as His 
custom was" (Luke 4: 16), thus "leaving us an ex- 
ample, that ye should follow His steps" (1 Pet. 2:1). 
Hence we "ought to obey God rather than men" 
(Acts 5:29). 

LIGHT ON history's DARK PAGE 

Some have advanced the idea that the Sabbath 
was changed in the days of the apostles. But the 
gospel first went to the Jews, and if there had been 
any question as to the changing of the seventh-day 
Sabbath, it would have raised the greatest turmoil in 
the history of Christianity, and it would certainly have 
been recorded in the Bible and also in history. On 
the contrary, however, there is an entire and eloquent 
silence as to such a change. We find Paul in a syna- 
gogue of the Jews, as his manner was, three Sabbath 
days (Acts 17: 1, 2) ; also he reasoned in the syna- 
gogue every Sabbath for a year and six months 
(Acts 18:4, 11); but not a word about any change 
of the Sabbath ! This ought to be overwhelming evi- 
dence to a candid mind that no thought of change 
was considered at that time. 

But some three hundred years later, we find re- 
ligion becoming more popular, and the church cele- 
brating Sunday, as pagan forms and theories crept in. 
Finally, by edict of Constantine, 321 A. D., the Sab- 
bath was changed to the ''venerable day of the sun; 
thus changing the law of God, as foretold by the 
prophecy of Dan. 7 : 25 : "And think to change times 



HISTORICAL 121 

and laws." Some have claimed that no one can tell 
which day is the seventh day. But God has pro- 
vided hving witness by the Jews keeping the seventh 
day, scattered through the nations; so the honest in 
heart can know and obey the commandment. (John 
15:10; 1:1.) Individuals forget the day of the 
week, but nations never. King Saul lost his crown 
by disobedience. "Behold, to obey is better than sac- 
rifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For 
rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness 
is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Sam. 15:22, 23). To- 
day thousands are in danger of making the same sad 
mistake. (See Rev. 22 : 14.) "In the words of a dis- 
tinguished ecclesiastical historian. Sir William Dom- 
ville, 'not any ecclesiastical writer of the first three 
centuries attributed the origin of Sunday observance 
either to Christ or His apostles' " (Andrews' "History 
of the Sabbath," page 266). Prophecy again refers to 
the change of the law in Isa. 58: 12, 13: "Thou shalt 
be called the repairer of the breach, ... if thou turn 
away thy foot from the Sabbath." This prophecy is 
to-day meeting its fulfilment in the world-wide move- 
ment of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in calling 
the people to return to the Lord and cease trampling 
the Sabbath under foot. In Isa. 66 : 23 is found con- 
clusive proof that the seventh-day Sabbath should 
never be torn from its place and cast under foot, as it 
is there shown that it will be observed in the new 
earth, which God says He will create (Isa. 65: 17), 
and referred to by 2 Pet. 3: 13, and Rev. 21 : 1, 27. 

INDIGNATION AND UNMIXED WRATH 

The last warning message of Rev. 14 is now 
being given to the world : "Fear God, and give glory 



122 HISTORICAL 

to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come" 
(verse 6). The third angel's message against the 
worship of the beast and his image (verses 9 and 10) 
pronounces the most fearful punishment in the Bi- 
ble (the unmixed wrath of God) against those who 
do not heed the warning. This is further made plain 
by the call in Rev. 18:4: "Come out of her, My peo- 
ple, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye 
receive not of her plagues." When we realize that 
over fifty million martyrs, many of whom suffered 
death in the most cruel manner, were the result of the 
religion of force used in the dark ages, can we won- 
der that God is very indignant (verse 10) that any 
one should give support to its tenets. God has given 
no authority for using force in religious work, but, 
to the contrary, all are invited to come and take of 
the water of life freely (Rev. 22: 17). 

The time of judgment takes place before Jesus 
comes ; and there will also be a time of trouble, for 
which the nations are preparing to-day (Dan. 12). 
This judgment is described in Daniel 7:9, 10, also in 
Rev. 20: 12; and determines those who are prepared 
to be clothed with immortality at the appearing of 
Christ (1 Cor. 15:51, 52). Thus we find that the 
majority of the professed Protestant Christian 
churches have adopted for the Sabbath this "glorious 
day of the sun," which is only a relic of the idol wor- 
ship and the persecutions of the "dark ages." Not 
only so, but by securing legislation in every State of 
the Union but one, have overridden the Constitution 
of the United States, which provides against religious 
laws, trampling under foot the very principle that has 
made this country the "land of the free, and the home 



HISTORICAL 123 

of the brave." Thus they have thrown to the winds 
the rights for which our heroic ancestors bared their 
breasts to the leaden hail, and despising the precious 
blood they gave so freely in our behalf. A com- 
plete deception such as I referred to early in this ar- 
ticle. Satan is back of it. (See Gen. 3:1; Rev. 13: 
2, 3; 1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9.) History repeats it- 
self. ''Fill ye up the measure of your fathers" 
(Matt. 23:32 and context; also Rev. 14:9, 10, and 
Matt. 15:9; Rev. 13:3, 4). 

WORDS OF WARNING 

They are thus drifting, drifting, drifting, right 
into the tracks of the old Roman hierarchy, fulfilling 
prophecy, forgetting the description in Rev. 17:5, 6, 
part of which reads, ''Mystery! Babylon the great, 
. . . drunken with the blood of the saints, and with 
the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" ; forgetting Zech. 
4:6, ''Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, 
saith the Lord of hosts." When these misguided 
people succeed in overriding the Constitution and en- 
acting a United States Sunday law, as prophecy indi- 
cates they will (Rev. 13 : 14, 15), we may expect to 
see the four angels of Rev. 7 : 1 loose their hold of 
the winds of war, and the "time of trouble, such as 
never was since there w^as a nation" (Dan. 12:1) 
come on the earth, God's Spirit be withdrawn, and 
probation ended. But listen : 'The wicked shall do 
wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand ; 
but the wise shall understand (Dan. 12: 10). These 
times were foretold over 2400 years ago, to be fulfilled 
in our day, describing it as the "time of the end. . . . 
many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be 
increased" (Dan. 12:4). But now, while the Holy 



124 HISTORICAL 

Spirit is still here, there are none so high, or low, in 
wickedness but they may forsake their evil way, and 
find Him, "when they search for Him with all their 
heart" (Jer. 29: 13). 

But notice, my dear friends, the description of 
the man of sin (2 Thess. 2: 3, 4, and especially 
verses 10, 11, and 12) : "Because they received not 
the love of the truth, . . . for this cause God shall 
send them strong delusion, that they should believe a 
lie, that they might all be damned who believed not 
the truth." Much more might be quoted from history 
and the Bible that would throw additional light on 
these precious truths, but space forbids, and I can 
only urge you to follow the Bereans' example (Acts 
17:11), for your eternal life depends on searching 
the Scriptures and knowing for yourselves what they 
teach. In Isa. 56: 10, 11, we learn that "His watch- 
men are blind, they are all dumb dogs, they can not 
bark, . . . they are shepherds that can not under- 
stand" ; they give no warning cry. "Cease ye from 
man, whose breath is in His nostrils, for wherein is 
he to be accounted of?" (Isa. 2:22). Raised a Con- 
gregationalist, for nearly forty years I was working 
and teaching with them and the Methodists. When 
I saw the seventh-day Sabbath and kindred truths 
taught by Seventh-day Adventists, the Bible opened 
to me as a new book, one of harmony from beginning 
to end, where before men's ideas and creeds caused 
contradictions ; and having followed these truths for 
seventeen years, I can commend their teaching as 
Bible truth. 

Fraternally yours, 

Edward Everett. 




Nathan Walden 
Nathan Walden was born in Franklin, Conn., 
Tan. 14, 1762, and died in Leroy, N. Y., May 23, 
1855. He served in the Revolutionary War in the 
Connecticut Militia, and was held a prisoner of war 
nearly a year in New York City. He lived to be 
ninety-three years of age. His wife, Mercy Eggleston, 
died eleven years before. 



126 HISTORICAL 

They were great grandparents of Mrs. H. F. 
Everett, and he was a descendant of the Waldenses. 

WALDENSES, SABBATH-KEEPERS 

From "Pagan Counterfeits in the Christian Church." 

The Waldenses, who, by the persecutions of the 
Roman emperors, were driven into and among the 
ahnost inaccessible fastnesses of the Alps, carried 
with them "the commandments of God and the faith 
of Jesus Christ," just (as they claim) as they re- 
ceived them from the apostles of our Lord. 

They regard the Sunday sabbath with loathing 
and disgust, as the offspring of the church of Rome, 
whom God calls ''the mother of harlots and abomina- 
tions of the earth." Hence with them the Sabbath 
is ''the seventh day." (See Andrews, pp. 398, 432.) 
But the Waldenses were not the only Sabbath- 
keepers even in the Dark Ages. When the Reforma- 
tion had lifted the dark pall which for long centuries 
had brooded over the nations. Sabbath-keepers were 
found in Transylvania, Bohemia, Russia, Germany, 
Holland, and England. These appear to be (not the 
fruits of the Reformation, which retained the pagano- 
papal Sunday, but) remnants of the ancient Sabbath- 
keeping churches, which had "witnessed for the 
truth" throughout that long millennial midnight of 
papal darkness and superstition. Perhaps, too, some 
of them had received the truth from the lips of Wal- 
densian missionaries, who went out all over Europe, 
even long before the beginning (late in the eleventh 
century) of the 500 years of the persecution of that 
wonderful people. (See "Harper's Monthly," July, 
1870, art. "The Vaudois.") 



THE VAUDOIS. TEACHER 
John G. Whittier 

"O lady fair, these silks of mine are beautiful and 

• rare, — 
The richest web of the Indian loom, which Beauty's 

self might wear ; 
And those pearls are pure as thy own fair neck, with 

whose radiant light they vie ; 
I have brought them with me a weary way, — will my 

gentle lady buy?" 

And the lady smiled on the worn old man through 

the dark and clustering curls 
Which veiled her brow as she bent to view his silks 

and glittering pearls ; 
And she placed their price in the old man's hand, and 

lightly turned away. 
But she paused at the wanderer's earnest call, — "My 

gentle lady, stay ! 

"O lady fair, I have yet a gem which a purer lustre 

flings 
Than the diamond flash of the jew^eled crown on the 

lofty brow of kings, — ■ 
A wonderful pearl of exceeding price, whose virtue 

shall not decay. 
Whose light shall be as a spell to thee and a blessing 

on thy way !" 

The lady glanced at the mirroring steel where her 

form of grace was seen. 
Where her eyes shone clear, and her dark locks 

waved their clasping pearls between. 



128 THE VAUDOIS TEACHER 

"Bring forth thy pearls of exceeding worth, thou 

traveler gray and old, — 
And name the price of thy precious gem and my 

pages shall count thy gold." 

The cloud went off from the pilgrim's brow, as a 

small and meagre book, 
Unchased with gold or diamond gem, from his folding 

robe he took ! 
''Here, lady fair, is the pearl of price, may it prove 

as such to thee ! 
Nay — keep thy gold — I ask it not, for the word of 

God is free !" 

The hoary traveler went his way, but the gift he left 

behind 
Hath had its pure and perfect work on that high-born 

maiden's mind, 
And she hath turned from the pride of sin to the 

lowliness of truth, 
And given her human heart to God in its beautiful 

hour of youth ! 

And she hath left the gray old halls, where an evil 

faith had power^ 
The courtly knights of her father's train, and the 

maidens of her bower; 
And she hath gone to the Vaudois vales, by lordly 

feet untrod. 
Where the poor and needy of earth are rich in the 

perfect love of God ! 




J^^ 



7 



r-*s.. 



fXy 



^ 



